After twenty years or so as a journalist, I'm a little ambivalent about fame and celebrity. I've interviewed enough so-called heroes to have realistic expectations. Some (Billy Bragg, Tanni Grey-Thompson, Tony Benn) have proved to be everything I hoped they would be. Some (who shall remain nameless) have proved themselves to be complete a-holes.
Twenty years ago, I interviewed a Living Cycling Legend. He turned out to be charming, modest and funny, but it was a short conversation before the interview that has stuck in my mind. I was notionally interviewing him about his auto-biography which had been, inevitably, ghost-written by a journalist.
Me: I really enjoyed the book. (Writer) has done a great job -- it's not like most sports autobiographies, he's really managed to make it sound like you.
Living Cycling Legend: Yes, I think he's done well. Loads of people have said that it sounds just like me.
Me: I imagine that must be an odd sensation -- what did you think when you first read the book?
LCL: Oh, I haven't read it.
Me: But it's your autobiography -- the story of your life. How can you not read it?
LCL: I suppose it is a bit odd. But I've never been one for the books.
Me: Err...but aren't you even a bit curious about what it says?
LCL: Not really. (Long pause) I did read a book once, though. "Raise the Titanic", it was. Very interesting. I enjoyed it.
Me: But not enough to...
LCL: Read another one? No, it's not for me. Actually, I did read another book. Can't remember the title now. It was about the Titanic as well. Didn't finish it, though.
Me (genuinely lost for words): Err....OK, shall we start the interview?
It's always struck me as an intriguing insight into the peloton, and a clear explanation of why Laurent Fignon was known, largely because he wore glasses and occasionally read a book without pictures, as The Professor.
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