Every stage. Every mountain. One ordinary cyclist.
3,360 kmof French roads
50,000 mof climbing
Countless biscuitsessential cycling fuel
The book
When common sense loses the argument.
You don’t have to love cycling to enjoy the journey.
Could a resolutely ordinary cyclist ride the entire route of the Tour de France—every stage, every mountain and all 3,360 kilometres of it—just one week before the professionals?
In 2013, Neill Kemp decided there was only one way to find out.
From the sun-baked roads of Corsica to the merciless slopes of Mont Ventoux and the legendary hairpins of Alpe d’Huez, Neill battles atrocious weather, troublesome bicycles, rebellious legs and an increasingly tender undercarriage.
It is a journey that sees him wrestle polar bears, flee Highland bulls, take on an Ashes-winning Australian cricket team and play starey-ootie with financial ruin. Following in the shadows of cycling’s greatest champions—and confronting the haunting legacy of Major Tom Simpson—he discovers friendship, unexpected courage and the peculiar joy of attempting something he had already declared impossible.
Funny, candid and occasionally painful, Shadow Boxing with Major Tom is a story of ambition, suffering, self-doubt and the adventures that begin when common sense loses the argument.
Put the kettle on, grab a biscuit and come along for the ride. Neill promises to do all the suffering.
Neill Kemp is a bang average cyclist who lives just outside Glasgow. Given that it never stops raining and is always cold there, this is perhaps the least suitable place on earth for a cyclist to set up home.
In 2013, Neill rode the route of the Tour de France. He decided to share his suffering, so he wrote this book. Now it’s your turn.
Thinking of buying it as a gift? A thoughtful choice for someone you love—or someone you feel has had things too easy.
He is now preparing for another adventure: returning to ride the Tour route in 2027 to raise money for disadvantaged young people.
Neill shares his home with seven bicycles, with another expected in the spring.
You can order your copy of Shadow Boxing with Major Tom right here: £25 for an unsigned hardback, with UK delivery at £2.87 for the first book and 28p for each additional copy.
Fancy a signed copy?
Perhaps with a personal message? Get in touch and we’ll arrange it. Neill has been practising his handwriting, although legibility remains an optional extra—and it might take him some time.
We’ve calculated postage for up to ten books, then ran out of fingers. If you’d like more, send Neill a message using the enquiry form. He’ll find his calculator and give his counting hand a well-earned rest.
All proceeds from the book support the William Wates Memorial Trust.
The author is also available for weddings, parties and bar mitzvahs, just as soon as he finds an agent—or someone willing to give him a lift.
Orders placed within two working days of confirmed payment. Estimated UK delivery around seven days after placement for one copy; larger orders may take longer. Delivery, cancellation & returns · Privacy Seller: Neill Kemp · ngktutoring@gmail.com
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Ambitionit seemed a good idea
Sufferingthere was plenty
Biscuitsthere were never enough
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For praise, kind words and constructive biscuit recommendations, use the enquiry form.
