Road to Valor: A True Story of WWII Italy, the Nazis, and the Cyclist Who Inspired a Nation

WAMC Northeast Public Radio | By Joe Donahue

Published September 7, 2012 at 11:12 AM EDT

In Road to Valor: A True Story of WWII Italy, the Nazis, and the Cyclist Who Inspired a Nation

, journalist Aili McConnon and her brother, historical researcher Andres McConnon, unfold the inspiring and remarkable story of Gino Bartali, an Italian cycling legend, and of his untold secret role in a successful scheme to save Jews from the Holocaust during World War II. The book is divided into three parts: Bartali’s early impoverished years in rural Tuscany through his first Tour de France victory; his courageous work during World War II; and finally his second Tour triumph, which set a record for the longest span between wins in the iconic race. Andres McConnon joins us.

The Roundtable

Joe Donahue

Joe talks to people on the radio for a living. In addition to countless impressive human "gets" - he has talked to a lot of Muppets. Joe grew up in Philadelphia, has been on the area airwaves for more than 25 years and currently lives in Washington County, NY with his wife, Kelly, and their dog, Brady. And yes, he reads every single book.

See stories by Joe Donahue