Next up - Cult Heroes of the Cobbles!
Just why has Flanders, a small region of a small European country, had such a massive impact on world cycling?
What does it mean to be a "True Flandrien"?
How, over time, has the word Flandrien become synonymous with cyclists from anywhere embodying the same traits?
To help answer these questions, join renowned author, historian and cycling journalist Chris Sidwells as he shares with you the untold stories and unseen photos from some of the region's most iconic riders and races.
In these 90 minute events, at venues across the country, you'll hear stories you never knew before about some of the Cult Heroes of the Cobbles.
From Briek Schotte to Rik Van Looy, the De Vlaeminck's to Johan Museeuw and so many more; Chris will utilise his life-long association with the sport, and over two decades of research, interviews and writing to immerse you into the spirit of the Flandrien.
We'll be at Velo Retro in Ulverston on Saturday 31st May, tickets available now! More venues to be announced soon!
Previous Talks:
In January 2025 Cycling Legends Media relaunched Talks by Chris Sidwells. We visited 6 venues across the country from Sheffield to The Cotswolds talking about the latest book in the Illustrated Collection - Cycling Legends 03: Jacques Anquetil.
You can read some of the outstanding reviews below!
Reviews
Thoroughly enjoyed Chris' talk about Jacques Anquetil. Interesting and informative information relayed in a relaxed and interactive style. Would be interested to attend another talk.
Chris gave a thoughtful, very well-planned and engaging presentation at Alf Jones’s place. Chris makes full use of his rich evidence and experience based on interviews with key members of the cycling scene and in-depth research to support his insightful presentation (s) - thus is the second session that I have enjoyed. I look forward to the next ‘Cycling Legends’ presentation on “The Flanders Experience”.
Great talk, an insight to how hard it was to get into the top flight of cycle racing back in the day, and stay there.
We enjoyed your show at Twin Lakes in Croston last night, I guess without you doing this most of the stories will be lost forever. Keep up the good work
Excellent talk by Chris. Full of interesting anecdotes and stories. Highly recommended.
A great night with Chris regaling inside stories about Jacques Anquetil. The sport is so much more colourful than imagined and Chris has great insight and brings it all back to life.
I loved every minute. The stories you told were so informative and interesting. I was hooked from the beginning and was disappointed when it came to an end. I was so enthused I went away with two of your books! I’m now looking forward to your next book and accompanying talk!
I could listen to you forever as your enthusiasm comes across so well and the riders and teams in the books and talks are part of, and form, a big part of our early cycling memories. Looking forward to the next talk.
We went to the Anquetil talk in Paddock Wood, just brilliant we all enjoyed it so much - if you get a chance to go to one - GO - you won't be disappointed.
Such a great talk! Chris has so many stories and shares them all brilliantly.
Outstanding talk delivered with a real depth of knowledge and personal experience. Thoroughly enjoyed the entire evening. Thank you