Reveals the performance requirements and culture of pro racing and the personality of Lance Armstrong. The author follows the Tour de France great through the 2004 season, when Armstrong won his record sixth consecutive title. Though Armstrong is often reviled for his competitiveness, it’s unclear why the habits that made him a champion become odious as he seeks to defend his stature. [The book and this summary were both prior to his exposure as a drugs cheat.] Armstrong largely gets a pass on rampant allegations of doping, and fair enough: innocent until proven guilty.