Cycle racing Books

Book SynopsisDouble Olympic gold-medal winner, James Cracknell. His story before and after his life-changing accident.In October 2011 James Cracknell, two-time Olympic gold-medal rower and one of the greatest endurance athletes the world has ever known, suffered a seizure at home as his young son looked on in horror. A man who had known no limits, a man who had practically achieved the impossible, was now struggling to master life''s simple challenges.A year earlier, as James undertook yet another endurance challenge in Arizona, he was knocked off his bike by the wing mirror of a petrol tanker. It had smashed into the back of his head at high speed, causing severe frontal lobe damage. The doctors weren't sure if he would recover and, if he did, whether he would ever be the same again.Touching Distance is an extraordinary, honest and powerful account as James and his wife Bev confront for the first time the lasting effects that the accident has had on their lTrade ReviewAn inspirational, powerful account from an incredible bloke with guts and determination. * Sir Bradley Wiggins *James is a modern-day Hercules. Every day brings a new challenge. * Clare Balding *A remarkable portrait of love, loyalty and determination - from both sides of a marriage. * Daily Mail *A rower's extraordinary story is movingly told. * Daily Telegraph *It is a deeply honest, compelling account. * Sun *

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Book SynopsisVolume Two is a Tour de France special edition and features original and exclusive pieces by leading cycling writers. Between them, they’ve covered hundreds of Tours de France and written dozens of excellent books and some have even ridden the Tour.Trade ReviewProfessional pro cycling journalism for grown ups. These are the kind of stories that you may have wondered at, but don’t often get to see in this detail * Road.cc *A pleasure to read … packed with a variety of subject and rich prose * The Inner Ring *

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Book SynopsisBefore Bradley Wiggins, there was Sean Yates. Behind Bradley Wiggins, there was Sean Yates.One of only five Britons to wear the yellow jersey in the Tour de France, Sean Yates burst onto the cycling scene as the rawest pure talent this country has ever seen. After turning professional at the age of 22, he soon became known as a die-hard domestique, putting his body on the line for his teammates. Devastatingly fast, powerful and a fearless competitor, Yates won a stage of the Tour, as well as the Vuelta a España, in 1988, and went on to don the coveted maillot jaune six years later.Having put British cycling on the map as a rider, Yates was soon in demand as a directeur sportif, using his tactical knowledge to inspire a new generation of cyclists to success. And after Team Sky came calling, Yates was the man to design the brilliant plan that saw Sky demolish the opposition in 2012, and for Bradley Wiggins to become the first cyclist from these shoTrade ReviewA candid and unflinching account of his three decades in the sport, of interest to anyone who has followed his long and fruitful career. Yates is not afraid to pull punches throughout this autobiography and you have to admire his honesty... refreshingly far removed from what we have grown used to in many similar releases. * Sky Sports, Cycling Books of the Year *Brilliant. This is, in many ways, an old-fashioned book chronicling the transformation of a cycling-mad kid from West Sussex into possibly the most respected domestique in the peloton, who also claimed a famous time-trial stage victory of the Tour de France in 1988 and wore the yellow jersey for a day in 1994. This book does full credit to an outstanding career. -- Brendan Gallagher * Sweetspot Cycling Book of the Year shortlist nomination *A very good read... one of those rare well written cycling autobiographies that engages the reader... better by far than the other recent autobiographies that could be filed under 'British Cycling and My Role in Its Rise to Glory'. The whole thing has a charming, casual air about it, like a couple of old mates sitting down over a pint and reminiscing about the past. It's nice to be reminded why Yates used to be such a legend. * Podium Café *Sean Yates is the real deal - tremendous determination, talent and commitment - the classic hard man from that era. In a way reading the book made me glad I didn't become a pro cyclist. * Cycling Uphill *For years Sean Yates was by far and away the most successful British rider in the Tour de France since Tommy Simpson. Then came Cavendish, Froome and most of all Wiggins. After retiring from racing Sean Yates was to become Team Sky's Race Director and a figure central to Wiggins' 2012 Tour victory. A great and revealing book. -- Mark Perryman * Philosophy Football, autumn sports books review *

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Book SynopsisSHORTLISTED FOR ADVENTURE TRAVEL BOOK OF THE YEARIn the spring of 2015, Mark Beaumont set out from the bustling heart of Cairo on his latest world record attempt - solo, the length of Africa, intending to ride to Cape Town in under 50 days.

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Book Synopsis“No matter what or how you ride, read this book and remind yourself just how enjoyable cycling can and should be.”—Eben Weiss, author of The Enlightened Cyclist  Just Ride is a revelation. Forget the ultralight, uncomfortable bikes, flashy jerseys, clunky shoes that clip onto tiny pedals, the grinding out of endless miles. Instead, ride like you did when you were a kid—just get on your bike and discover the pure joy of riding it.   A reformed racer who’s commuted by bike every day since 1980, whose writings and opinions appear in major bicycling and outdoor magazines, and whose company, Rivendell Bicycle Works, makes bikes for riders ready to opt out of a culture overrun by racing, Grant Petersen shares a lifetime of unexpected facts, controversial opinions, expert techniques, and his own maverick philosophy. In 87 short, two-to-three page chapters, it covers: Riding: Count Days, Not Miles; Corner Like Jackie Robinson; Steer with Your Hips, Shift with Your Legs Suiting Up: The Shoes Ruse; Ponchos—the Ultimate Unracer’s Garment Safety: #1 Rule—Be Seen; Helmets Aren’t All They’re Cracked Up to Be Health and Fitness: Why Riding Is Lousy All-Around Exercise; Saddles Don’t Cause Impotence; Drink When You’re Thirsty—Not Before Also includes chapters on Accessories, Upkeep, and Technicalities, and a final chapter titled “Velosophy” that includes the essential, memorable thought: Your Bike Is a Toy—Have Fun with It.Winner Silver Medal 2013 Independent Publisher Book Awards  

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Book SynopsisIntroduces you to the wilderness and urban trail networks of Kirklees & Calderdale, Airedale & Wharfedale and Lancashire. This title presents the routes to the riding centres such as: Stainburn, Healey Nab, Gisburn Forest and Lee Quarry that mix freely with classic Pennine riding on London Road, around Rivington Pike and on likely Moor.

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Book SynopsisIn the cyclists' guide series from Mica publishers, here are 30 circular road cycle routes of 35 miles to 115 miles, exploring the best of Scotland's panoramic back roads

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Book SynopsisIn this beautifully illustrated guide to travelling across France by bike you will discover hidden lanes, stunning gorges, amazing places to eat and stay, plus the best of French cycling culture. This iconic journey of more than 1000 miles takes you through some of the country's most striking landscapes.

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Book SynopsisFamily Cycle Rides in the Lake District gives families with young riders a series of expertly chosen cycle routes in the Lake District National Park in an easy-to-use pocket-book format.

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Book SynopsisWhether you are on a city break to Amsterdam, want to see Holland's highlights by bike or want to explore further, this book takes you onto cycle holiday routes full of pleasant surprises! This third edition caters for novice cyclists, families with children and serious cycling explorers alike!

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Book SynopsisNutrition and Supplements in Cycling provides a blueprint for all the key nutritional aspects a cyclist should consider from health to macro- and micro-nutrients, and the finer details, such as sports supplements to improve competitive performance. As a result, cyclists and coaches can use this book as a handbook to help with supporting their own (or their athletes') health and performance through evidence-based nutrition.The nutritional demands of cycling are as diverse as the number of disciplines in the sport. To address this issue, this book covers the nutritional strategies for short- and long-distance disciplines and considers the implications of training and racing in a variety of environmental conditions. The book is divided into two distinct parts that are structured around the nutrition demands and practices of cyclists and an evaluation of novel and existing supplements that are currently being used or considered by riders.This book represents a go-to

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Book Synopsis Finally, the authoritative resource that serious cyclists have been waiting for has arrived. The perfect blend of science and application, Cycling Science takes you inside the sport, into the training room and research lab, and onto the course. A remarkable achievement, Cycling Science features the following: Contributions from 43 top cycling scientists and coaches from around the world The latest thinking on the rider-machine interface, including topics such as bike fit, aerodynamics, biomechanics, and pedaling technique Information about environmental stressors, including heat, altitude, and air pollution A look at health issues such as on-bike and off-bike nutrition, common injuries, fatigue, overtraining, and recovery Help in planning training programs, including using a power meter, managing cycling data, off-the-bike training, cycling specific stretching, and mental training The latest coaching and racing techniques, including pacing theories, and strategies for road, track, MTB, BMX, and ultra-distance events In this book, editors and cycling scientists Stephen Cheung, PhD, and Mikel Zabala, PhD, have assembled the latest information for serious cyclists. Trade Review "Cycling Science combines Stephen Cheung's immense knowledge about aerodynamics and training with the findings of the sport's top researchers and experts. If you want to know what it takes to ride faster, this is the book for you." —Daniel Lloyd, Presenter at the Global Cycling Network, Former professional cyclist "Cycling Science taps the leading minds in cycling training, fitness, and technology. A landmark work, it's beyond comprehensive and a must-have for anyone who wants to truly understand our amazing sport." —Selene Yeager, USA Cycling certified coach, Bicycling magazine columnist "Stephen and Mikel are known throughout the world as experts in the world of physiology, and they have brought together the world's experts for this book. An incredible compilation of knowledge that is sure to improve your cycling!" —Hunter Allen, CEO and founder of Peaks Coaching Group, Coauthor of Cutting Edge Cycling and Training and Racing With a Power Meter “Cycling Science is an informatively authoritative resource composed of contributions from 43 top cycling scientists and coaches from around the world that will hold immense appeal for both amateur and professional cyclists. A perfect blend of science and application, Cycling Science takes the sport into the training room and research lab, and then out onto the course. The 40 major articles comprising Cycling Science feature the latest thinking on the rider–machine interface; information about environmental stressors; a look at health issues; help in planning training programs; the latest coaching and racing techniques; and strategies for road, track, MTB, BMX, and ultradistance events. While unreservedly recommended for both community and academic library Contemporary Sports collections, it should be noted for personal reading lists that Cycling Science is also available in a digital book format.” —Library Bookwatch, August 2017 Midwest Book Review “The [Cycling Science] editors are both world-leading cycling scientists, Cheung in Canada and Zabala in Spain, and for their 40(!) chapters, they’ve recruited an extremely distinguished list of scientists from around the world. It covers all aspects of human physiology, bike design, training, racing, health, and so on. If you’re a cyclist interested in the science of your sport, I’d rate this pretty much a must-buy as a reference tome.” —Runners’ World Table of ContentsPart I. The CyclistChapter 1. The Cyclist’s Physique Paolo Menaspà and Franco ImpellizzeriChapter 2. Cycling Physiology and Genetics Stephen S. CheungPart II. The BikeChapter 3. Bicycle Design Larry RuffChapter 4. Frame Materials and Geometry Larry RuffChapter 5. Saddle Biomechanics Daniel SchadePart III. The Human–Machine InterfaceChapter 6. Biomechanics of Cycling Rodrigo Rico BiniChapter 7. The Science of Bike Fit Rodrigo Rico BiniChapter 8. Bike Fit and Body Positioning Todd M. CarverChapter 9. The Aerodynamic Rider Andy FroncioniChapter 10. Pedaling Technique and Technology Thomas Korff, Marco Arkesteijn, and Paul BarrattPart IV. The Cycling EnvironmentChapter 11. Dealing With Heat Stress Stephen S. CheungChapter 12. Air Pollution and Cyclists Mike Koehle and Luisa GilesChapter 13. Altitude and Hypoxic Training Randall L. WilberChapter 14. Tackling the Hills Hunter AllenPart V. Nutrition and ErgogenicsChapter 15. Cycling Nutrition Dina GriffinChapter 16. Feeding During Cycling Dina GriffinChapter 17. Hydration Science Stacy SimsChapter 18. Doping’s Dark Past and a New Cycling Era Mikel ZabalaPart VI. Cycling HealthChapter 19. Epidemiology of Cycling Injuries Victor LunChapter 20. Managing Common Cycling Injuries Victor LunChapter 21. Fatigue and Overtraining Romain Meeusen and Kevin De PauwChapter 22. Recovery Interventions Shona L. Halson and Nathan G. VerseyPart VII. Training Development and AssessmentChapter 23. Long-Term Athlete Development Kristen DieffenbachChapter 24. Psychological Strategies for Team Building Javier Horcajo and Mikel ZabalaChapter 25. Motivation and Mental Training Jim Taylor and Kate BennettChapter 26. Assessing Cycling Fitness James Hopker and Simon JobsonChapter 27. Designing Training Programs Paul B. Laursen, Daniel J. Plews, and Rodney SiegelChapter 28. Training Periodization Bent R. Rønnestad and Mikel ZabalaChapter 29. Using a Power Meter Hunter AllenChapter 30. Data Management for Cyclists Dirk FrielPart VIII. Preparing to RaceChapter 31. Off-the-Bike Training Bent R. RønnestadChapter 32. Respiratory Training A. William Sheel and Carli M. PetersChapter 33. Warming Up Jose M. MuyorChapter 34. Stretching Jose M. MuyorPart IX. Racing Your BikeChapter 35. The Science of Pacing Chris R. AbbissChapter 36. Road Racing Hunter AllenChapter 37. Mountain Biking Howard T. HurstChapter 38. Track Cycling Chris R. Abbiss and Paolo MenaspàChapter 39. BMX Manuel Mateo-March and Cristina Blasco-LafargaChapter 40. Ultradistance Beat Knechtle and Pantelis Theodoros Nilolaidis

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Book SynopsisSHORTLISTED FOR THE TELEGRAPH SPORTS BOOK AWARDS 2020 CYCLING BOOK OF THE YEAR''A genuine one-off with a ready wit and a killer anecdote to hand at all times'' - Ian Cleverly, Rouleur''Carlton Kirby is no ordinary cycling commentator, so it is not surprising that this very entertaining book is no ordinary Grand Tour on a bicycle. A very enjoyable journey for everyone'' - Phil Liggett MBE, NBC Tour de France commentator''Carlton Kirby''s infectious enthusiasm, wine tips and Shakespearean joy for inventing words makes every stage of a bike race a must-watch event'' - Matt Butler, i newspaperPrepare to be entertained as legendary Eurosport cycling commentator Carlton Kirby shares his tales from the road, taking you behind the scenes of the world''s greatest cycle races. With a candid authority that comes from over 25 years commentating on the world''s biggest cycling races, legendary Eurosport commentator CarltTrade ReviewCarlton is never lost for words, whether commentating or writing. A genuine one-off with a ready wit and a killer anecdote to hand at all times -- Ian Cleverly * Rouleur *Carlton Kirby is no ordinary cycling commentator, so it is not surprising that this very entertaining book is no ordinary Grand Tour on a bicycle. A very enjoyable journey for everyone -- Phil Liggett MBE, NBC Tour de France commentatorCarlton Kirby's infectious enthusiasm, wine tips and Shakespearean joy for inventing words makes every stage of a bike race a must-watch event -- Matt Butler * i newspaper *Carlton's commentary never fails to bring a bike race to life, he has to be the Dalai Lama of all TV commentators -- Mick Bennett, Tour of Britain Race DirectorThere's never a dull moment working with Carlton... I do try to keep him under control -- Joanna Rowsell-Shand MBE, Double Olympic Team Pursuit Gold Medallist and multiple World ChampionKirby pulls back the curtain to reveal behind-the-scenes antics from cycling's Grand Tours, laying bare the hilarious, leftfield and downright bizarre moments that covering the sport brings. * The Herald *Carlton's style often borders on controlled madness... sometimes without the control -- Brian Smith - commentator, team manager and British Road Race Champion 1991 & 1994I've heard all these stories before, but it was great to read them in silence... -- Dan Lloyd, GCN presenter and winner of the 2008 Vuelta ExtremaduraGet that bloody [Carlton] Kirby down here – I’d like to give him a good slap -- Mark Cavendish[Carlton Kirby] You make it sound like I’m not paying attention -- Chris FroomeTable of ContentsForeword by Sean Kelly 1 Life on Tour 2 The Breakfast of Kings 3 Drive to the Finish 4 Security, Good and Bad 5 The Five Lions 6 Kelly's Smalls 7 Cigarettes and Coffee 8 Carjack 9 Comfort Breaks 10 Attention Seekers! 11 Protestors 12 Slow Day 13 Feed Station 14 Having Fun - The Secret to Cycling Commentary 15 Relations Most Public 16 The Dark Side of Cycling 17 There is No Money! 18 Back on the Road 19 And So to Bed - Hotel Stories 20 Party Time! 21 The Greatest Ride 22 The Other Bikers 23 When the Plug Gets Pulled 24 How Do You Feel? 25 The Party's Over 26 And So It Comes to This About the Authors Acknowledgements Index

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Book SynopsisSHORTLISTED FOR THE EDWARD STANFORD ADVENTURE TRAVEL BOOK OF THE YEAROn 1 April 2011, rower and adventurer Sarah Outen set off in her kayak from Tower Bridge for France. Her aim was simple: to circle the globe entirely under her own steam - cycling, kayaking and rowing across Europe, Asia, the Pacific, North America, the Atlantic and eventually home. A year later, Sarah was plucked from the Pacific ocean amid tropical storm Mawar, her boat broken, her spirit even more so. But that wasn''t the end. Despite ill health and depression, giving up was not an option. So Sarah set off once more to finish what she had started, becoming the first woman to row solo from Japan to Alaska, as well as the first woman to row the mid-Pacific from West to East. She kayaked the treacherous Aleutian chain and cycled North America, before setting out on the Atlantic, despite the risk of another row-ending storm...Dare to Do is more than an adventure stoTrade ReviewOuten's story is remarkable. - Sunday TimesAn epic feat. - The TimesLike Wild - only wilder. - BT SportSarah Outen prefaces her epic trip around the world under her own steam with a fabulous sentence: "The years ahead became some of the most vivid, treasured and, at times, the most difficult of my life. But all I knew is all we ever know - that I knew nothing about how the story would unfold." Who could fail to read on? Dare to Do chronicles a journey many readers will have mulled over at various points, but Outen had the courage to tackle it. - Birmingham Post - Books of the YearAn intimate glimpse into the raw excitement, fears, and determination which could provoke someone like Outen to spend years circumnavigating the globe, in a number of imaginative and uncomfortable ways. Outen is honest and relatable, while her depictions of places and people she meets are undeniably engaging. [Dare to Do is] fast-paced and good-humoured. - GeographicalThere is only one Sarah Outen. A unique blend of powerful female athlete and silly friend.Her natural charisma, talent for storytelling and unrivalled persistence sets Sarah Outen apart. She is the top female adventurer of the 21st Century - nobody else comes close.That's the way to do adventure.

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Book SynopsisEverything you need to know about cycling for fitness and leisure, training for both sport and competition, and the greatest races. It is the perfect introduction to a hugely popular activity, packed with training and safety tips, essential information, maintenance and motivation. It is a fascinating guide to the world of cycling, the history, the greatest cyclists, and the famous races such as the Tour de France and Giro d'Italia. From urban cycling and family cycling trips to track riding, mountain biking and road racing, this is the ultimate practical guide to cycling at all levels. It features step-by-step instruction and over 600 photographs. Pedal power has never been more popular and this book covers everything a cyclist needs to know to excel at cycling. After an overview of the history of the bicycle the author discusses all the essentials, such as choosing a bike, basic skills, maintenance and safety issues. The second part features the right equipment for touring at home and abroad and gives the lowdown on all types of bikes from sportive to racing bikes.For the more adventurous, the book then presents extreme touring, competitive performance cycling, the challenge of trail racing, and training for advanced racing. With expert advice throughout this is a must-have book for all cyclists.

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Book SynopsisFor All Levels of Performance. This book covers all aspects of training. It shows readers how to assess their fitness, set up their own training plan based on their individual skills and needs. Provides well-founded instructions for mountain bike training while always taking scientific principles of training and discipline-specific criteria into account Cross Country, Marathon, etc..

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Book SynopsisHow much power does your human engine have? How much power do you need for cycling in different conditions? How can you optimize your training and racing performance? How can you use power meters to improve your results? What are the ultimate limits of human performance? The Secret of Cycling answers all of these questions. All factors determining the performance in cycling are explained step by step: training, nutrition, body weight, bike weight, wheels, frame, aerobars, power meters, wind, hills, temperature, the world hour record and much more. Many graphs, tables and examples from practice make it very easy to understand for the reader. Get 20% fitter, healthier and faster! This title also contains brand new insights on how the balance of the power of your human engine and the power requirement for cycling in different conditions determines your performance. It shows how power meters can be used to optimize your training and your race result..Already a bestseller in the Netherlands and Belgium, The Secret of Cycling can be considered the ultimate textbook for all serious cyclists and their coaches.Trade ReviewHunter Allen, Legendary Coach and Co-developer of TrainingPeaks WKO+ software "When Dr. Coggan and I wrote Training and Racing with a Power Meter, there were some very elite coaches that took this information and became experts around the world. The authors of this book are such experts. They used the laws of nature to describe and calculate the performance in running as well as in cycling. This book will help to take your cycling to the next level and the concepts written inside are foundations to creating success. " Asker Jeukendrup, Sports Nutrition Scientist, Professor of Exercise Science "One of the best books about endurance performance I have ever seen, with an evidence based analytical approach to performance in cycling. The many practical examples make it easy for the reader to understand and apply this to improve their own performance. The breakthrough of power meters is analyzed critically, including the possibilities to increase cycling economy and cycling performance." Maria Hopman, Professor of Integrative Physiology, Radboud University, Nijmegen "I like the quantitative approach to the physics and physiology of cycling in this book. I feel this is important to understand and improve the performance in sports. I believe this book will help coaches and cyclists as theory and practice are combined in a highly understandable way."

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Book SynopsisRiding up hills is the ultimate challange for a cyclist. This guide is a compilation of some of the best hills in Cumbria and the Lake District. It's not just a definitive list of the Top 50 toughest climbs; instead, author James Allen has selected some of the most iconic, thrilling, interesting, varied and, of course, challenging hill climbs that this beautiful region has to offer. There's something for everyone, from the Weekend Warrior to the serious road racer. Just get out there and enjoy the ride!

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Book SynopsisGuide to 12 of the best gravel bikepacking routes in the South and East, including the Cantii Way, exploring forest tracks, bridleways and quiet lanes over 1 to 4 days. The cycle routes are suitable for beginner and experienced MTB and gravel-bike riders, are easily accessed by public transport, and are well served for accommodation and facilities.

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Book Synopsis* WINNER OF THE 2020 TELEGRAPH SPORTS BOOK AWARDS CYCLING BOOK OF THE YEAR*Discover this 100-year anniversary celebration of the hardest-earned and most sacred prize in sport, the Tour de France's Yellow Jersey. In 2019, the cycling world will celebrate the 100th anniversary of sport's most iconic and distinguished prize: the Yellow Jersey. Beautifully produced and packed full of interviews with riders such as Chris Froome, Thomas Voeckler and the oldest living wearer of the Yellow Jersey at 94, Antonin Rolland, The Yellow Jersey is a fitting celebration of the 'maillot jaune'. In 1919 the leading rider was first instructed to wear the Yellow Jersey, following a campaign from fans and journalists who were struggling to identify the winning rider. 100 years on, the jersey has passed into almost sacred status. You'll never see an amateur rider wearing yellow - it is reserved purely for those who have sacrificed themselves in the world's greatest race. Cossins will take the reader on a journey to the origins of the jersey and its early winners. He'll explore the effect of wearing yellow as a motivator and occasionally as a curse. Beautifully produced with original photography, The Yellow Jersey is an exquisite tribute to the greatest trophy in sport.'Without doubt the most beautiful book to land on our desk this year... we can't recommend this book enough' Cycling WeeklyTrade ReviewAs an author of cycling literature since the early nineties, Cossins clearly knows a thing or two about the sport. The Yellow Jersey takes the story of cycling’s most coveted prize, back to its humble beginnings, and intersperses facts, anecdotes and statistics to take you for an enjoyable ride through the history of the sport * Cycling News *Cossins has done a great job of tying together many aspects of Le Tour under the one central theme of the yellow jersey, resulting in an enjoyable, informative, readable, and alternative look at Le Tour – supported by a wide range of relevant images in a beautifully presented book -- Richard Peploe * Road.cc *Without doubt the most beautiful book to land on our desk this year… we can’t recommend this book enough * Cycling Weekly *

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Book SynopsisONE WAY TICKET is the story of a man and modern cycling.Jonathan Vaughters is one of the leading figures in world cycling, a record-breaking mountain climber, Tour de France stage winner and former teammate to Lance Armstrong. He is now manager of the renowned Education First World Tour team.In ONE-WAY TICKET: Nine Lives and Two Wheels he describes a journey from driven teenage prodigy, travelling to races in the back of his Dad's station wagon, to an obsessive determination to make it big - whatever the cost. He tells the story of his transformation from poacher to gamekeeper, detailing his painful decision to finally come clean about his own doping - and to persuade others to do likewise - by providing more than enough shocking testimony to USADA (US Anti-Doping Agency) to explode the Armstrong myth.Working in collaboration with The Times' critically acclaimed cycling correspondent Jeremy Whittle, Vaughters reveals the ease with which, his illusions shattered, he walked away from European racing. He documents his own suffering in races, the trials of establishing a team and mentoring young riders, and the dizzying highs of success in races such as the Tour de France, Giro d'Italia and Paris-Roubaix.Jonathan Vaughters shares his unique experience to lift the lid on a world he has both loathed and loved. Along the way he details the fights and fall-outs with cycling's leading figures, including Lance Armstrong, Pat McQuaid, Johan Bruyneel, Bradley Wiggins and Dave Brailsford.

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Book SynopsisThe inspirational inside story from the 2018 Tour de France and Sports Personality of the Year winner"This year G was the strongest rider, and he finally had Lady Luck on his side. An unstoppable combination" Chris Froome"I understood what Geraint's win meant: for him, for me, for the team, and for Wales, too" Dave Brailsford"Wow!" Arsène WengerFor years Geraint Thomas appeared blessed with extraordinary talent but jinxed at the greatest bike race in the world: twice an Olympic gold medallist on the track, Commonwealth champion, yet at the Tour de France a victim of crashes, bad luck and his willingness to sacrifice himself for his team-mates. In the summer of 2018, that curse was blown away in spectacular fashion - from the cobbles of the north and the iconic mountain climbs of the Alps to the brutal slopes of the Pyrenees and, finally, the Champs-Elysees in Paris. As a boy, G had run home from school on summer afternoons to watch the Tour on television. This July, across twenty-one stages and three weeks, and under constant attack from his rivals, he made the race his own.With insight from the key characters around Geraint, this is the inside story of one of the most thrilling and heart-warming tales in sport. Not only can nice guys come first - they can win the biggest prize of all.Trade ReviewHardback edition also available: 9781787479036 -- Publisher: Quercus Publications

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Book SynopsisSHORTLISTED FOR THE SPORTS BOOK AWARDS 'Cycling Book of the Year' 2022 The strange and thrilling world of Japanese track racing - a cycling and betting culture unlike anything else on earth The Olympic cycling sport of keirin was invented in Japan more than 70 years ago to raise money to rebuild the country after World War II. Now, fans bet billions of dollars a year on races, with the top riders earning huge sums. In each race, a pacemaker leads nine riders around huge concrete velodromes, then leaves the track with around a lap and a half to go - the cue for a frantic finish as the competitors reach speeds of up to 70 kph. Along the way they block and shove each other, clash heads and occasionally crash (the two Japanese characters used to write keirin mean 'battle' and 'wheel'). To prevent race fixing, the cyclists spend meets living in dorms, with no access to online technology. Their lives are ruled by ritual and fierce competition, from their rookie days at the Japan Keirin School near Mount Fuji to the annual Grand Prix final, whose winner takes home prize money of almost one million dollars. A small number of foreign riders are invited to compete in Japan every year and some, like Shane Perkins, have overcome culture shock to prosper in the home of keirin. Justin McCurry, the Guardian's Japan and Korea correspondent, explores a blue-collar Japan we rarely see and a uniquely fascinating sporting culture.Trade ReviewYou might think you know keirin racing, but you don't. This is an irresistible account of the most distinctive bike-race in the world -- Michael Hutchinson[Justin McCurry] explores a blue-collar Japan we rarely see and a uniquely fascinating sporting culture * Village Books Dulwich *Recommended without reservation * Conquista *If you love Japan, cycling, sport in general, or modern history, you will certainly enjoy this highly informa­tive and vastly entertaining book. * Acumen *There is literally not a single nook or crannie of the sport that Mr McCurry has left unexplored. But even better than that, his obvious enthusiasm for the subject is impeccably translated to the printed page. A superb book. * Thewashingmachinepost *An engagingly written in-depth explanation of keirin ... but not as we know it * road.cc *An excellent book that goes beyond the velodrome to look at keirin's place in Japanese society ... War on Wheels is a story of modern Japan that blends sport, culture and history into a subtly convincing mix * The Inner Ring *

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Book SynopsisThe Official History of the Tour de France – fully revised and updated for 2023 – is a celebration of one of the greatest annual sporting events, and the premier competition in world cycling.Through more than 300 photographs, rarely seen documents and items of memorabilia, this book covers more than a century of fascinating stories about the Tour and its iconic yellow jersey.This revised and updated edition includes an authoritative narrative account of each major era, up to and including the thrilling 2022 Tour. There are features on superstar cyclists and memorable moments from each period of the event's rich history, plus a foreword from legendary Tour de France champion Bernard Hinault. This is the definitive illustrated book on the Tour.Table of ContentsForeword by Bernard Hinault • Part 1: Early History • Part 2: Golden Era • Part 3: Modern Times • Part 4: Winners and Champions • Part 5: Customs and Traditions • Records and Statistics.

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Book Synopsis*SHORTLISTED FOR THE 2023 SPORTS BOOK AWARDS CYCLING BOOK OF THE YEAR*The gripping and revealing autobiography of one of Britain's most successful international cyclists of the modern era'Getting in a break was my one chance of winning. The hard part was working out, again and again, how to make that chance count'Sharp, resourceful and a permanent outsider; for nearly 20 years Steve Cummings determinedly blazed his own winning trail in international cycling. A maverick who defied the dominant teams, to record a sequence of gloriously improbable victories, he has lived and raced with legends of the sport - Cavendish, Wiggins, Froome, Thomas and others - about whom he has strong views and untold stories.This autobiography of one of Britain's most successful international riders of the modern era takes the reader from Steve's earliest days as a junior, pounding across the flatlands of the Wirral, through his love-hate relationships with the British Cycling track cycling squad, to his series of top-level breakaway victories in the Tour de France, Tour of Britain and Vuelta a España and - rather than standout physical talent - how developing his own strategies and training techniques enabled him to succeed against the odds.The Break will be the first full-length account of the life and times of, in the words of ProCycling magazine, a 'universally popular and respected rider in the cycling world'.Trade ReviewIf you wanted me to pinpoint the main reason why Steve succeeded, it's the way he sees bike racing, his willingness to try something new, to do something differently ... There are so many guys out there who are strong, but Steve didn't just have the legs, he had the brains and the head for it all as well and that was his big advantage. * Geraint Thomas *Table of Contentsi: Foreword: Geraint Thomas ii: Preface: The Landmark That Wasn't 1: Doughnuts 2: Dilemmas 3: Contrasts 4: 2008-09: Road or Track? 5: Man on a Mission 6: The Wrong Kind of Limits: Team Sky 2010-11 7: No Stress Man 8: Roller Coaster 9: A Human Time Bomb 10: Mandela Day 11: Why I Couldn't Train with Mark Cavendish 12: The Right Direction 13: A Race Against Time 14: Back to My Roots 15: Bottles, Britain and a New Beginning iii: Nine Lessons iv: Palmarés v: Acknowledgements vi: Index

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Book SynopsisSouth Leinster has a surprising variety of terrain, boasting canals, blanket bogs, rolling woodlands, golden beaches and brilliant green pastures interspersed with fields of golden barley. Quiet roads with excellent surfaces make this beautiful corner of Ireland perfect for exploring by bike, with some great climbs and descents, notably in the Slieve Bloom Mountains, adding exciting challenges. A journey through this picturesque countryside is also a trip through the ages, with many historical places of interest along the way. Break your journey with pit stops at round towers, restored mansions with attractive gardens like Emo Court, traditional lighthouses such as Hook Lighthouse, or the graves of great Irish figures like Shackleton and Wolfe Tone.The graded routes suit all abilities, and are each illustrated with a colour map, photos, a gradient graph, and key facts and statistics. Information is also provided on the many natural landmarks and historical sites en route. Each trip guarantees a terrific day out for the curious cyclist.

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Book SynopsisFrom the doorstep of Dublin city, there is easy access to a cycling haven of deep glens, forested mountains and wild scenery, including the Wicklow Mountains. This guidebook journeys through some of the country’s best-known tourist attractions, such as Glendalough, and reveals lesser-known points of interest like the Shay Elliott memorial to the first Irish rider to wear the yellow jersey in the Tour de France. The graded routes suit all abilities, and are illustrated with colour maps, photos and gradient graphs, with information on the many natural landmarks and historical sites en route. The historic Military Road is central to many of the cycles. Constructed in the aftermath of the 1798 Rebellion, it runs from Rathfarnham in south Dublin to Aughavannagh in south-west Wicklow, with a side arm from Enniskerry to Glencree, and from the Sally Gap to Roundwood. Try your hand as a Tour de France competitor, revisiting the 1998 stage, which raced through the heart of the Wicklow Mountains, finishing in the Phoenix Park. Surprising insights and useful tips are shared throughout, allowing cyclists to enjoy the wonders and challenges of south Dublin and Wicklow.

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Book SynopsisA guidebook of 24 short, medium, long and full-day mountain bike routes in the Lake District. The Lakes offer some of the best MTB riding in the UK. The graded circular rides are arranged by difficulty, from Kendal to Cleator Moor in the far north-west and Keswick to Winster in the Lyth Valley. The Lake District has plentiful and varied trails, and the routes described in this guide offer spectacular views of the famous lakes and great memories time and time again. Choose a route by grade, percentage off-road, length or time at a glance. All routes have clear directions and tips on what to look out for on the way with numbers linking text, OS map extracts and profiles together to show you quickly where you are and where to go next.Table of ContentsIntroduction Getting to the Lake District Accommodation Equipment Food Bike checks When to ride Rest and recovery Routes Maps Timings Rights of way Trail centres The dirty dozen Pre-ride checklist Short Loops Route 1 Tour of Loughrigg Fell Route 2 Spark Bridge Route 3 Borrowdale and Whinfell Route 4 Kendal and Brigsteer Route 5 Hawkshead and Hodge Close Route 6 Howtown and Askham Route 7 Elterwater and the Langdales Medium Loops Route 8 Muncaster Route 9 Winster Route 10 High Newton and Cartmel Route 11 Tour of Claife Heights and High Wray Route 12 Kentmere Special Route 13 Cleator Moor Long Loops Route 14 Torver and Kirkby Moor Route 15 Grizedale Grunt Route 16 Loadpot Hill Route 17 Blencathra and the Old Coach Road Route 18 Garburn and Longsleddale Route 19 Haweswater and Gatesgarth Route 20 Dunnerdale Enduro Full Day Loops Route 21 Parkamoor, Satterthwaite and Hawkshead Monster Route 22 Tour de Windermere Route 23 Mealbank, Borrowdalen and the Breasthigh Road Route 24 Longsleddale, Kentmere and Troutbeck Appendix Appendix Bike shops in the region

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Book SynopsisThis guidebook provides 14 stages of route description to cycling along the Moselle river, a route that offers stunning scenery, plentiful accommodation and places to eat and drink, and straightforward cycling throughout. A well-waymarked, generally downhill 512km route, it is mostly off-road and on well-surfaced cycle tracks (mainly asphalt) with virtually no gradients, and the majority is along the riverbank or on canal towpaths. From its source in the Vosges Mountains of eastern France, the Moselle flows through the French region of Lorraine and crosses into Luxembourg then into the German Rheinland region before it reaches its confluence with the Rhine at the west German city of Koblenz. Suitable for both veteran long-distance cyclists and for newcomers to cycle touring who wish to start with an easy-to-follow journey, the route can be completed in a week by fit cyclists, cycling two stages per day. Two weeks allow for alternative stages and optional excursions through the Saar and Rhine gorges and to visit the Boucles de Moselle and the city of Luxembourg, and give enough time for sightseeing and a leisurely riding pace.Table of ContentsMap key Overview map Introduction Background The route Natural environment Preparation Getting there and back Navigation Accommodation Food and drink Amenities and services What to take Safety and emergencies About this guide Stage 1 Col de Bussang to Remiremont Stage 2 Remiremont to Épinal Stage 3 Épinal to Charmes Stage 4 Charmes to Nancy Stage 4A Charmes to Toul Stage 5 Nancy to Pont-#xe0;-Mousson Stage 5A Toul to Pont-#xe0;-Mousson Stage 6 Pont-#xe0;-Mousson to Metz Stage 7 Metz to Thionville Stage 8 Thionville to Remich Stage 9 Remich to Trier Stage 9A Remich to Trier via Luxembourg City Excursion 1 Konz to Merzig: the Saar Valley Stage 10 Trier to Leiwen Stage 11 Leiwen to Bernkastel-Kues Stage 12 Bernkastel-Kues to Zell Stage 13 Zell to Cochem Stage 14 Cochem to Koblenz Excursion 2 Koblenz to St Goar: the Rhine Gorge Appendix A Route summary table Appendix B Language glossary Appendix C Useful contacts Appendix D Principal tourist offices Appendix E Youth hostels

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Book SynopsisThis guidebook to mountain biking routes in West and North West Scotland describes 25 MTB routes north of the Great Glen, Covering a large geographical area, including Fort William, Rannoch Moor, Glen Spean, Ben Nevis, Sutherland, Torridon and Skye, the routes give a real flavour of the variety of different bike riding available. The routes range from 19.5km to 73.25km, graded moderate to very hard. Many are long and committing, so good preparation and fitness are essential, and in some cases a willingness to "hike and bike". Each route has a clear and detailed route description along with 1:50,000 OS mapping and a height profile. All routes have key information, including distance on and off-road, ascent, grade, time and the nearest pub and cafe. There is also advice on equipment, planning and preparation, and maintenance, before you hit the trails. Scotland is rightly regarded as one of the world's top mountain bike destinations, with magnificent riding and stunning scenery. From the self-proclaimed Outdoor Capital of the UK, Fort William, to the majesty of the Outdoor Hebrides, this guide you will access some of the wildest and remote parts of Scotland, offering scintillating single track, challenging descents, incredible mountain vistas and many rewarding days in the saddle.Table of ContentsMap key Overview map Route summary table Introduction Getting there and around Accommodation Equipment Food and drink Rest and recovery Using this guide Planning and preparation Rider responsibility The West Route 1 West Highland XC Route 2 Ballachulish Blast Route 3 Tour of Ben Nevis Route 4 In the Shadow of Ben Nevis Route 5 Cow Hill Route 6 Fersit and Strathossian Route 7 Ardverikie Adventure Route 8 On the Wild Side of Loch Lochy Route 9 Loch Lundie Route 10 Morvern Mini Route 11 Morvern Monster The North West Route 12 Orrin Reservoir Route 13 Strathfarrar Fling Route 14 Wild in Strathconon Route 15 Glenuaig Grind Route 16 Slioch Singletrack Route 17 The Three Cols of Torridon Route 18 Tour of Ben Damph Route 19 Slattadale Rockride Route 20 Long Road to Ullapool Route 21 Northern Exposure The Islands Route 22 Through the Cuillin Route 23 The Cleared Villages Route 24 High in the Harris Hills Route 25 The Postman's Track Appendices Appendix A Bike shops Appendix B Accident and emergency units Appendix C Gaelic language Appendix D Accommodation Appendix E Tourist information centres

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Book SynopsisThis guidebook describes 21 mountain biking routes in central and southern Scotland. It includes the 7stanes trail centre in Dumfries and Galloway, as well as cross-country routes in the Campsie Fells, Pentland Hills and Lammermuirs, the Galloway Forest, Tweed Valley, Cheviots and Lowther Hills. The routes range from 17 to 66km and are graded from moderate to very hard. Taking between 2 and 7 hours to complete, they are intended for reasonably fit mountain bikers with at least some experience. Detailed route descriptions are accompanied by 1:50,000 OS mapping, and the selected routes set out from various points across the area, including Greenock, Glentrool, Peebles and Milngavie, with good access from both Glasgow and Edinburgh. The guidebook also gives an overview of what the region's MTB trail centres have to offer, including the famous 7stanes trail centre, along with advice on equipment, maintenance and safety. Southern and Central Scotland is renowned for its superlative MTB trail centres, but the region's rolling hill country is also traversed by an extensive network of tracks, paths, forest roads and other trails providing endless possibilities for 'free range' mountain biking.Table of ContentsEmergencies Map key Overview map Route summary table Introduction Mountain biking in southern and central Scotland About the routes in this guide Centres Getting there and getting around Accommodation When to go Safety Equipment Tools and maintenance Navigation Hydration Food Rights of way and other users Maps How to use this guide Abbreviations and symbols used in the route descriptions The 7stanes Ae Forest Dalbeattie Glentress Innerleithen Kirroughtree Newcastleton Mabie Glentrool Other trail centres Drumlanrig Castle Carron Valley Cathkin Braes Whitelee Wind Farm Southwest 1 Durisdeer, Daer Reservoir and Wedder Law 2 Lowther Hills loop 3 Shinnel Water and Scaur Water loop 4 Carrick Forest Four Lochs loop 5 Glentrool and the Galloway Hills 6 Windy Standard loop Southeast 7 Belford to Cocklawfoot: Windy Gyle loop 8 Kirk Yetholm and the Pennine Way 9 Minch Moor and the Three Brethren 10 Stake Law and the Gypsy Glen 11 The Tweedsmuir Hills: Natural Tweed 12 The Lammermuir Hills: Longformacus and Wedder Lairs loop 13 Gifford and the Hope Hills 14 The Pentland Hills: a rollercoaster route around the reservoirs Central 15 Misty Law 16 Greenock Cut 17 Kilpatrick Hills loop 18 The Campsie Fells: Dumgoyne and Earl's Seat 19 Mugdock Country Park loop 20 Carbeth - Cameron Muir loop 21 Glasgow waterways loop Appendices Appendix A Bike shops and mechanics Appendix B Other useful contacts

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Book SynopsisThis is the story of Alf Engers and the pursuit of speed, set against a backdrop of cycling clubs, shop-owners, framebuilders, riders, racers, team managers and officials. It loops from the Paddington Track to the Skol Six, Herne Hill to the National Road Race Championships and from Boroughbridge to Barnet, in and out of time and place to capture the truth of a racing career of unequalled achievement, charisma and controversy. Constructed from extensive interviews with Alf Engers, I Like Alf is the definitive tale of a mythical and charismatic folk hero of British cycling. Where I came from it was so very different: up at five o’clock in the morning, the tinkle of shoe plates on the road, the smell of embrocation, the stillness of the morning, just you and the timekeeper: 5-4-3-2-1-GO! It is the essence of cycling. If I had gone on to do what I wanted to do I would have won the Tour de France, but that's how the dice were rolled.

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Book SynopsisPedro Delgado's 13-year racing career spanned one of cycling's golden decades. Riding against Hinault and Fignon in their prime in the early 1980s, then later against Roche and LeMond, through to mentoring Indurain in the 1990s, he took part in the Tour de France and in one of the other grand tours in every year but his first and last. His final haul of one Tour and two Vuelta victories perhaps does not do justice to his talent, but then he was a rider whose defeats were often every bit as memorable, and every bit as spectacular, as his victories, and they too could be accompanied by controversy. An innate climber, he learned how to time trial, but it was that natural inclination to attack whenever the gradient steepened, whether wisely or impulsively, that would move spectators to tears - sometimes of pure joy; sometimes of bitter disappointment. But in the end he was always capable of a smile, because he knew better than most how to take those 'two imposters of triumph and disaster' in his stride. More than a cycling biography, this book gives a rare and often amusing insight into the inner world of the professional peloton in that era - life in the team hotel; the obsessions about diet and health; the eccentricities and foibles of both the riders and their directors; as well as the loyalties and feuds provoked by this, the hardest of sports.

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Book SynopsisOxford has long enjoyed a reputation as one of the most cycle-friendly cities in the country. This spiral-bound guide describes 20 wonderful bike rides in the countryside in a 30-mile radius around the city, exploring the delights of the Cotswolds, the Lambourn Downs and the Chilterns. The book contains 15 rides on networks of quiet lanes (26-34 miles long) and five offroad rides on bridleways and byways (15-20 miles long). All of the rides are highlighted on Ordnance Survey Landranger 1:50,000 mapping, seen as the gold standard of mapping for cyclists. Junction-by-junction route instructions guide you from village to village through the region's beautiful rolling countryside. Each ride contains details of distance, grade of difficulty and refreshments along the way (with phone numbers of pubs and cafes so that you can check on opening hours). A height profile gives you warning of any hills to expect and schematic maps show how the ride can either be shortened or linked to adjacent rides for a longer day out. Seven of the road rides explore the honey-stone villages lying to the west and northwest of Oxford, from Woodstock through the beautiful Tew and Sibford villages as far as Chipping Campden and from Minster Lovell and Burford along the lovely Windrush and Coln valleys. To the south, five of the road rides link together quiet lanes across the chalk downlands between the Vale of the White Horse and the Kennet & Avon Canal. The Chiltern beechwoods lie to the southeast of Oxford and three of the rides use the dense network of lanes that criss-cross the area around Goring, Pangbourne and Henley. As for the offroad rides, three are located on the chalk and flint tracks of the Ridgeway. The other two rides delve deep into the beech woodlands of the Chilterns. Rides here take on an extraordinary beauty in late spring when the woodland floor is carpeted with bluebells and the beechwoods are coming into leaf, almost glowing with translucent green and also through autumn with the changing of the colours.

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Book SynopsisThe Lake District boasts some of the most stunning mountain scenery in the country, providing a dramatic backdrop to many of the rides featured in this book. The practical spiral-bound guide describes 20 wonderful lane rides of 24-35 miles in South Lakeland and the Eden Valley. All of the rides are highlighted on Ordnance Survey Landranger 1:50,000 mapping, seen as the gold standard of mapping for cyclists. Junction-by-junction route instructions guide you through the region's beautiful countryside. Each ride contains details of distance, grade of difficulty and refreshments along the way (with phone numbers of pubs and cafes so that you can check on opening hours). A height profile gives you warning of the hills to expect and schematic maps show how the ride can either be shortened or linked to adjacent rides for a longer day out. The rides have been designed to use quieter roads and are divided into three main areas: the first is around Cockermouth and Keswick where three rides explore the breathtaking landscape either side of Bassenthwaite Lake. To the west lie Wythop Woods, Whinlatter Forest, Loweswater, Crummock Water and Buttermere; to the east of Bassenthwaite is the classic circuit around the back of Skiddaw to Caldbeck. The second area covers the southeast of Cumbria, encompassing the upper Eden Valley and the Lune Valley, with rides starting from the handsome towns of Appleby, Kirkby Stephen, Sedbergh and Kirkby Lonsdale. The weather tends to be drier here as the two valleys lie in the rain shadow of the Lakeland Fells. These rides also offer panoramic views of the Pennines and the Howgills to the north of Sedbergh. The final area features rides in and around the southern half of the Lake District National Park. There are fantastic views of many of the central lakes and fells including those to be enjoyed from the Windermere Ferry, featured on the ride north from Backbarrow. You may well be pleasantly surprised that there are so many quiet lanes to explore in such a popular tourist area. Choose your time well and you will enjoy your rides even more.

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Book SynopsisThe 1989 Tour de France is arguably the greatest ever. It saw American rider Greg LeMond overturn a 50-second deficit to France's Laurent Fignon on the final stage on the Champs Elysees to snatch the title by a mere eight seconds. After three weeks and more than 2,000 miles in the saddle, these few seconds remain the smallest margin of victory in the race's 100+ year history.But as dramatic as that Sunday afternoon on the streets of Paris was, the race wasn't just about that one time-trial. During the previous fortnight, the leader's yellow jersey had swapped back and forth between LeMond and Fignon in a titanic struggle for supremacy, a battle with more twists and turns than the maziest Alpine mountain pass. At no point during the entire three weeks were LeMond and Fignon separated by more than 53 seconds.In Three Weeks, Eight Seconds, Nige Tassell brings one of cycling's most astonishing stories to life, examining that extraordinary race in all its multi-faceted glory with fresh interviews and new perspectives and laying bare that towering heights of adrenaline, agony, excitement, torment and triumph that it produced.

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Book SynopsisExtraordinary Places by Bicycle is a rich and rewarding free-wheeling journey for anyone with a dash of true adventure in their blood. Hugh and Pauline Symonds have shared the highs and lows of truly remarkable two-wheel odysseys to the wildest and most beautiful corners of the planet. Through the rugged Pamirs, across the deserts of Australia, exploring the lesser known byways of Mexico, China, New Zealand and Georgia, these are authentic accounts of great charm and humour -- with an occasional moment of drama and peril thrown in for good measure. The many photographs are absolutely stunning and are inserted into the text where they have most impact. The background to this intrepid couple's everyday world at home is also woven into the journey in a very candid way: a life threatening health scare and other ups and downs of family dramas make this a satisfying autobiographical experience as well as an outstanding series of genuine adventures.

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Book SynopsisSex, Lies and Handlebar Tape is the astonishing biography of French cycling star Jacques Anquetil. For the first time since his death in 1987, it reveals the extraordinary truth behind the legend, the man and the cyclist.His list of 'firsts' alone makes him worthy of a place in the cycling pantheon: the first man to win the Tour de France five times; the first man to win all three grand tours - the Tour de France, Giro d'Italia and Vuelta a España; and the first man to win both the Tour and Vuelta in the same year.However, the extraordinary life of Anquetil does not stop at his achievements on a bike. He candidly admitted to using drugs, offended legions of fans by confessing that his only motivation for riding was financial and infamously indulged his enthusiasm for the high life. He also seduced and married his doctor's wife, had a child with her daughter and then sustained a ménage à trois with both wife and stepdaughter under the same roof for 12 years. When this 'family' eventually imploded, he attempted to inspire jealousy in his former lovers by having a child with his stepson's ex-wife.Containing exclusive contributions from Anquetil's family, friends, teammates and rivals, Sex, Lies and Handlebar Tape untangles myth from reality and confirms that fact is definitely stranger than fiction.Trade ReviewAn extraordinary biography * The Times Magazine *Paul Howard has not allowed Anquetil's astonishing love life to overwhelm his equally extraordinary career . . . an impeccably researched book (Book of the Week) * Independent on Sunday *An excellent work * Daily Telegraph *A stunning story * Shortlist *

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Book SynopsisThe first in the series, Getting Started in Road Cycling is designed to guide you through the beginning of your journey as a cyclist. The book features practical advice from an impressive cast of expert contributors. There’s riding tips from Giro d'Italia winner Andy Hampsten and cyclocross star Helen Wyman while expert mechanic Sam Humpheson provides guidance on maintenance. Carefully collated by Guy Andrews and accompanied by the marvellous illustrations of Laura Quick, the advice answers the frequently asked questions of those new to the sport. How to choose a bike? What to wear? How to fix a puncture? What’s a chamois pad? This book will be the antidote to much of what may be bewildering and help you out day after day.

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Book SynopsisHugo Koblet was the Pédaleur de Charme, a Tour de France winner. Yet, in 1964, Koblet took his own life. He was penniless, homeless and utterly broken. In 'Dear Hugo', award-winning author Herbie Sykes evokes the wreckage of that life through the testimony of a fan, and through the contents of a mysterious box discovered in a Zurich flat...

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Book SynopsisThe Vienna Woods offer countless opportunities for outdoor activities, especially for hikers and cyclists. There is a well-developed network of hiking and cycling trails with varying levels of difficulty for the whole family.

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Book Synopsisfreytag & berndt hiking maps are ideal companions for hiking, mountaineering and ski tours. They are regularly revised and contain updated information on hiking trails, cycling and mountain biking routes, huts, natural monuments, cultural sights and leisure facilities.

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