Prologue

A New Hope

With the sad demise of Rangers in Europe causing understandable frustration among their more discerning followers, and Andy Murray continuing to underwhelm in serial displays of petulism and defeat, who will provide some sunshine to the overcast world of Scottish sport? Step forward a new breed of Caledonian hero in the unlikely shapes of David Samuel and John Grewar who, in most eyes, are to long distance cycling what Hinge and Bracket are to cage fighting. A spartan regime of pot noodles and press-ups has, however, transformed two formerly pasty-faced nancy boys into statuesque, granite-hewn athletes, well capable of the Homerian challenge they have set themselves.