On the Road ... Tour de France

Saluting a Tour de France veteran 

CARCASSONE, France — It seems odd when a reporter writes about another reporter because neither should be the story. But Sam Abt is an exeption because he deserves a salute from anyone who has interest in cycling or journalism. There are print, television and radio reporters from few dozen countries — Japan to New Zealand, Belgium to the United States — who cover the Tour de France. And it's a sure bet most of them know or know of Abt. As a just-retired editor for the International Herald Tribune, the most well-known English newspaper in Europe, Abt is an American who for many years has lived just outside of Paris. He began covering cycling by accident and yesterday he received the supreme non-cycling award given by the Tour de France organization. Reporters reaching their 30th year at the event are introduced by the race director in the starting village of a designated stage and given an award. Abt, whose newspaper is owned by the New York Times, showed his gift — an engraved silver plate — to a few friends and acquaintances in the press room. Abt began covering the Tour de France when reporters traveled city to city, country to country by hitchhiking. The race wasn't very well-known in the United States in the mid-1970s when Abt's first cycling byline appeared in the Times. (Jonathan Boyer of Carmel was the first American entrant in 1981.) Abt's appreciation of the sport steadily advanced. He's written 10 cycling books and has forgotten more about cycling than I will ever know. Abt's byline appears in newspapers worldwide, most notably in U.S. newspapers that receive the New York Times News Service. But beyond his writing talents, Abt is well-known for two other reasons, one sensitive. Abt is unique looking. He's short, wears large round glasses and has bad teeth. He's chain smokes, he's nearly bald and he has a huge lump on the back of his head. He doesn't reveal his age. Significantly more importantly, Abt is generous. When a reporter enters the world of cycling, they often gravitate toward Abt for advice. He's been asked the same questions for years, but I've never seen him not take the time to respond. I've known Abt for 20 years, I still ask him questions, and I still hold in high honor an occasion one day several years ago in Paris. It was early on the final day of the Tour and the press room was located in an upscale hotel that has a few elegant little cafes. Abt invited me to have coffee with him. Abt was presented his Tour de France award prior to the 11th stage by Jean-Marie Leblanc, the long-time and now outgoing Tour de France race director. Just after Leblanc presented Abt with his silver plate, he asked the reporter if he'd like to have some good wine. Abt is not opposed to drinking wine. But it was still mid-morning and he graciously declined. He told Leblanc he had work to do. — James Raia

posted by dave kellogg at 3:44 PM

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