This week James and Will are joined by Ned Boulting: commentator, pundit, author, stage performer, part-time comic and all-round superb raconteur. Ned talks about the 2011 season (the star of his new The Road Book 2011 almanac), from a knife-edge Tour de France with Cadel Evans snatching a last gasp victory, to a Vuelta a España that announced a rising star in the shape of Chris Froome. Conversation then turns to this year's Tour, from Cav's history-making win no.35 to the imperial form of Tadej Pogačar. All that plus Primož Roglič the unsung hero; Alberto Contador, the man who flew too close to the clenbuterol; Dave Brailsford, Ineos and United; and Ned's new touring one-man stage show, Ned's Marginal Mystery Tour – all about his love affair with an unearthed newsreel from the 1923 Tour de France.

Chat with Ned begins at 8.34

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The Road Book 2011 is out now, with essays from Chris Froome, Emma Pooley, Cadel Evans, Ned Boulting and many more. Edited by Andy McGrath. Order your copy here.

Ned's Marginal Mystery Tour is touring nationwide from 22nd October to 20th November. Get tickets here.

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