The Tour De France of '87: The Unforgettable Triumph and Tragic Decline of ANC Halfords

The Beginnings of ANC Halfords: A Dream Turned Reality

ANC Halfords was not your typical professional cycling team. Founded by Tony Capper, a cycling enthusiast and the proprietor of a chain of auto parts stores called Halfords, the team was sponsored by the ANC (Amalgamated National Coaches) Group, a British bus company. The partnership brought together a unique combination of cycling passion, automotive expertise, and corporate support that would propel ANC Halfords into the spotlight.

The Underdogs Ready to Conquer

Heading into the 1987 Tour de France, ANC Halfords was considered an underdog. The team comprised mainly of British riders who lacked the experience and track record of their more established European counterparts. However, what the team lacked in experience, they made up for with determination and a hunger to prove themselves on cycling's grandest stage.

Field of Fire: The Tour de France of '87 and the Rise and Fall of ANC-Halfords

by Jeff Connor (Kindle Edition)

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3011 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	256 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Paperback	:	144 pages
Item Weight	:	7.5 ounces
Dimensions	:	5 x 0.33 x 8 inches

FREE

The team's roster included some promising talents, such as 26-year-old Adrian Timmis and 25-year-old Malcolm Elliott, who had already shown glimpses of their potential in previous races. With a mix of youthful exuberance and the guidance of experienced team captain Phil Griffiths, ANC Halfords set their sights on making an impact at the Tour de France.

The Unforgettable Triumph: Timmis's Stage Win

The stage was marked by harsh weather conditions, including rain and strong winds, which added an extra layer of challenge for the riders. In this battle against the elements, Adrian Timmis's determination shone through. With great resilience and a burst of energy, Timmis broke away from the peloton and rode solo to victory, crossing the finish line with a significant lead.

The moment of triumph was not just a personal victory for Timmis but a testament to the tenacity and spirit of ANC Halfords. The underdog British team had defied the odds and made their presence felt in the prestigious race, earning respect and admiration from cycling enthusiasts around the world.

The Tragic Decline: ANC Halfords' Demise

While ANC Halfords' Stage 5 victory was an incredible achievement, it marked the peak of the team's success. Despite their promising start, the rest of the Tour de France proved to be a challenge too great for the underdog British team.

Internal conflicts and team dynamics began to unravel ANC Halfords' unity and focus. The pressure of competing against more established teams took its toll, as injuries and fatigue plagued the riders. As the race continued, ANC Halfords gradually lost ground in the overall standings, ultimately finishing in 20th place.

The tragic decline of ANC Halfords did not end with their performance in the 1987 Tour de France. The team failed to secure a sponsor for the following season, leading to its dissolution. The dream that had brought together a passionate cycling enthusiast, a chain of auto parts stores, and a bus company came crashing down.

The Legacy of ANC Halfords: A Tale of Triumph and Lessons Learned

Although ANC Halfords' existence was short-lived, their story left an indelible mark on the world of cycling. The underdog British team proved that determination, teamwork, and passion could overcome the odds and achieve greatness.

The triumph of Adrian Timmis on Stage 5 of the 1987 Tour de France will forever be remembered as a beacon of hope for aspiring cyclists and sports underdogs. ANC Halfords demonstrated that even against the strongest competition, moments of triumph are possible when the human spirit refuses to surrender.

The rise and fall of ANC Halfords serve as a cautionary tale about the challenges faced by underdog teams in the world of professional cycling. It reminds us that success is not solely determined by talent but also by a harmonious team dynamic, unwavering perseverance, and adequate support.

The rise and fall of ANC Halfords reminds us that in the world of professional sports, glory can be fleeting, but the lessons learned and the legacy left behind endure. ANC Halfords' unforgettable journey serves as a testament to the power of determination, teamwork, and the unwavering human spirit that drives athletes to push beyond their limits.

Field of Fire: The Tour de France of '87 and the Rise and Fall of ANC-Halfords

by Jeff Connor (Kindle Edition)

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3011 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	256 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Paperback	:	144 pages
Item Weight	:	7.5 ounces
Dimensions	:	5 x 0.33 x 8 inches

FREE

In 1987, a British-based team competed in the Tour de France for the first time in almost two decades. The ANC-Halfords squad were decimated by the punishing pace, the manager walked out during one of the Alpine stages, five of the nine riders and some of the staff never made it to Paris, and most of the personnel went unpaid. ANC were the definitive innocents abroad and it became one of the great sporting misadventures of all time.

If that wasn't bad enough for ANC, a tabloid journalist travelled with them for the full three weeks. Jeff Connor's account of the Tour, Wide-Eyed and Legless, became a classic and was later voted number one in Cycle Sport's list of the best cycling books of all time.

Now, 25 years on, Connor revisits the scene of the crime, tracks down the participants and discovers exactly how their fortunes were changed, some irrevocably, by the '87 Tour. Field of Fire tells a moving tale of sporting disillusionment, heartbreak, anger - and humour.