Cycle racing Books

Book SynopsisFrom 2015 to 2017, Peter Sagan achieved the seemingly impossible: he won three road race World Championships in a row, ensuring his entry into the history books as one of the greatest riders of all time.But to look at Peter’s record in isolation is to tell only a fraction of his story, because Peter doesn’t just win: he entertains. Every moment in the saddle is an opportunity to express his personality, and nobody else has succeeded in making elite cycling look so much fun. From no-hands wheelies on the slopes of Mont Ventoux to press conference mischief with clamouring journalists, Peter exudes a passion for the sport and a lovable desire to bring smiles to the faces of his fans.So, for the very first time, you will have the opportunity to glimpse behind the scenes of Peter’s world. You will discover the gruelling training programmes necessary for success, and how Peter copes with the pressure of high expectation. You will feel that sense of elation when crossing the line ahead of the pack, and moments of desperation, like in 2017 when Peter realised he wouldn’t be allowed to challenge for his sixth Tour de France green jersey. But what better tonic than to ensure a third year in rainbow – an achievement which may never be repeated again.Trade ReviewSagan is not only one of the greatest riders of all time, he’s probably one of the most entertaining as well. His autobiography offers a glimpse behind the scenes and into his world of mischief -- Mildred Locke * Bike Radar, *Books of the Year* *

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Book SynopsisGravel Rides Lake District by Andrew Barlow features 15 of the best gravel bike rides in the stunning Lake District National Park, between 17 to 270km in length, suitable for all levels of gravel cyclists. This book also features industry-standard Ordnance Survey mapping, and is illustrated with action photography.

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Book SynopsisThe freytag & berndt Madeira hiking map is the ideal companion for hiking and mountaineering due to the detailed digital cartography and the precise scale of 1:30,000

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Book SynopsisWith a new Afterword.Lance Armstrong won a record-smashing seven Tour de France yellow jerseys after staring down cancer, and in the process became an international symbol of resilience and courage. In a sport constantly dogged by blood doping scandals, Armstrong seemed above the fray. Never had cycling - or any sport-boasted such a charismatic and accomplished champion. Then, in the summer of 2012, the legend imploded. The rumors that had long dogged Armstrong began to solidify. Buried evidence surfaced. Hushed-up witnesses came forth. Armstrong''s Tour victories were stripped from him. His sponsors abandoned him. In January 2013, Armstrong finally admitted doping during the Tours, and in an interview with Oprah, described his mythic, perfect story as one big lie. But his admission raised more questions than it answered. With over three years of extensive reporting, deep sourcing, and interviews with nearly every key player, including Armstrong, Reed Trade ReviewCaptivating * The Economist *A detailed account of Armstrong's eventual descent into disgrace * Guardian *

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Book SynopsisIn 2004 Charley Boorman completed his astonishing round-the-world bike trip with his friend, Ewan McGregor. The journey left him exhausted, exhilarated and hungry for a new challenge. And what greater challenge than the Dakar rally? Beginning in Lisbon and ending in the Senegalese capital of Dakar, the rally covers 15,000 kilometres of treacherous terrain, and is widely regarded as the most dangerous race on earth. With his team-mates Simon Pavey and Matt Hall, Charley faced extreme temperatures, rode through shifting sands and stinging winds, and faced breakdowns miles from civilisation. Charley recounts his extraordinary adventures through Portugal, Morocco, Western Sahara, Mauritania, Mali, Guinea and Senegal. He also follows the stories of other riders - an eccentric, dedicated band of professionals and rookies who all dream of one thing: reaching the finishing line. Race to Dakar is the thrilling account of a race that has captured the imagination of millions.Trade ReviewBoorman is well on his way to becoming the Michael Palin of motorbikes * TIMES2 *The history of the rally and Boorman's own personal experience of this great endurance test makes for an exhilarating read * WATERSTONE’S BOOKS QUARTERLY *

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Book SynopsisDiscover the hidden corners of southern England, London and the south-east, travelling by bicycle along its ancient network of quiet lanes. From gentle spins to weekend camping adventures, wild seashores to enchanted woodlands and midnight escapades, LOST LANES will enthrall armchair explorers and inspire dedicated cyclists and families.Table of ContentsMap of the Rides Rides at a glance In Search of Lost Lanes Tour d'horizon THE SELECTION Best for Wild Camping Best for Weekends Away Best for Gourmets Best for Ups and Downs Best for History Best for Village Life Best for Wild Swimming Best for Families Best for Pubs THE REGIONS Kent Sussex Surrey, Hampshire & the Isle of Wight Thames Valley Herts, Beds & Bucks Essex & Suffolk London Organised Rides Practicalities These Roads are Our Roads

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Book Synopsis"Nick Moore reminds us all that however frequently we may cycle, two wheels is always a rather magical way to travel." - The Simple Things Cycling is about more than competitive racing, lycra, and physical endurance; it’s about joy, meditative wonder and spiritual enrichment.Mindful Thoughts for Cyclists presents a series of focused meditations on why and how cycling can be a powerful practice of mindful awareness. From the pleasure of riding down a hill, to finding the upsides of a flat, Nick Moore steers us on an enlightening journey through the true value of riding a bicycle.Trade Review"Nick Moore reminds us all that however frequently we may cycle, two wheels is always a rather magical way to travel." * The Simple Things *

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Book SynopsisEddy Merckx. Fausto Coppi. Jacques Anquetil. Bernard Hinault. Beryl Burton. Marianne Vos.Since the first road race in May 1869, revealed here for the very first time, cycle road racing has been dominated by iconic cyclists who redefined endurance and fortitude. The battles facing these cyclists are not fought over just one race, but an annual series beginning with the Spring Classics and culminating in the three great tours the Giro d'Italia, Vuelta a España and the Tour de France before the cyclists retire to lick their wounds and start on another winter of training.How were the great races founded and developed? How have the great riders stamped their authority on them through the ages? Truly international in scope, looking at road racing in North and Latin America, Australia, Africa and Asia, as well as continental Europe, The Call of the Road is essential reading for anyone who is interested in the history, tactics or personalities of cycle road racing.Trade ReviewPraise for Chris Sidwells: ‘An intriguing read for almost any reader, not only those who are interested in cycling’ Tuam Herald ‘[An] engaging and accessible account of the race’s history’ Sunday Business Post

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Book SynopsisBorn and raised on the Isle of Man, Mark Cavendish became a world track champion as a teenager in 2005, a Commonwealth Games gold medallist a year later and in 2008 regained his world title in partnership with Bradley Wiggins. He switched his focus to the more glamourous world of road cycling, andis widely regarded as the most exciting and charismatic rider to grace the sport in years. As well as achieving record-breaking performances in the Tour de France, he became the road race World Champion in 2011.Trade ReviewCav is and will always be one of cycling’s biggest characters and At Speed captures him perfectly -- Chris BoardmanBrilliant * Telegraph *Fantastic... a real insight... funny, self-lacerating, brutal * Cycling Weekly *Ultimately the joy of At Speed is the sense that, warts and all, this is the story of a rare sportsman…who isn’t afraid to speak his mind rather than trot out the banal, PR-groomed soundbites of so many of his peers … this book speaks to both the heart and the mind of true cycling fans * Velo Voices *The greatest sprinter of all time -- Bradley Wiggins

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Book SynopsisFrom wilderness treks to weekends following local coastal paths, adventure cycling combines cycle touring, mountain biking and camping to open up new and exciting possibilities for the two-wheeled explorer. Thanks to advances in bike technology and the ease of international travel, cycling adventures on any scale are more accessible than ever before. Cycling writer and photographer Joshua Cunningham spent eleven months cycling from London to Hong Kong, a journey that spanned twenty-six countries and 22,000 kilometres (13,670 miles). During his journey, he captured thousands of photographs of the landscapes, many barely touched by humans, and acquired a wealth of invaluable experience, from arranging travel and selecting the best bike to what to pack for each climate and terrain, and how to choose and navigate your route. Equal parts travelogue and practical guide, this exhilarating account divides the stages of his tour into five chapters, each focusing on a geographical environment: forest, desert, mountain, tropical and urban. Each chapter presents a text section on uncoated paper, featuring specially commissioned illustrations by Chris McNally, followed by a photographic album printed on art stock.Trade Review'You’ll struggle not to be captivated by Joshua’s recollection of his eleven months on the road … his down-to-earth style is refreshing and easy to read … you’ll return to look over the photos again and again' - ADVNTR'Stunning' - Cycle'Extraordinary' - Men's FitnessTable of ContentsIntroduction: Overland by Bike • 1. Forests • 2. Mountains • 3. Deserts • 4. Tropics • 5. Cities • Technical Information

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Book SynopsisWINNER OF THE WILLIAM HILL SPORTS BOOK OF THE YEAR AWARDOn a fateful night in 2009, Tyler Hamilton and Daniel Coyle met for dinner in Boulder, Colorado.Trade ReviewBrilliantly detailed and wholly convincing: with Coyle's skill and Hamilton's honesty, the book was always likely to be excellent. This is no generalised or theoretical exploration of a doping culture but a forensic description of how it worked. Armstrong used to say there would always be sceptics who didn't believe in his story, but now the sceptics are those who, ostrich-like, continue to believe. They should be compelled to read this book, and though the collision with reality will cause them to shudder, the good news is that they will be riveted by a well-told story and will be the better for knowing the truth. -- David Walsh * Sunday Times *The broadest, most accessible look at cycling’s drug problem to date. * New York Times *The news leaks about The Secret Race have vastly undersold its importance. Tyler Hamilton's book is a historic, definitive indictment of cycling's culture of doping during the Armstrong era. Here's the reality. The Secret Race isn't just a game changer for the Armstrong myth. It's the game ender. No one can read this book with an open mind and still credibly believe that Armstrong didn't dope. It's impossible. That doesn't change the fact that he survived cancer and helped millions of people through Livestrong, but the myth of the clean-racing hero who came back from the dead is, well, dead. The book is the holy grail for disillusioned cycling fans in search of answers. The book's power is in the collected details, all strung together in a story that is told with such clear-eyed conviction that you never doubt its veracity. * Outside magazine *Astonishingly candid... an extraordinary confessional. -- Matt Dickinson * The Times *Riveting... Just about every significant detail in the USADA evidence is here. And it is brilliantly conveyed by an insider who can see both sides of the story: the institutional corruption, which eats away at the culprits, as well as the crippling pressure on riders to conform. We can expect plenty more books to be published on this conspiracy, for it is arguably the most audacious ever plotted in the world of sport. But it feels as though Hamilton's is likely to become the definitive work on the subject. -- Simon Briggs * Daily Telegraph *

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Book SynopsisAn illustrated pocket guide to off-the-beaten-track cycling challengesReally Wild Cycling follows in the tracks of Chris''s bestselling Wild Cycling. Most, if not all, the rides are off-road, but each one presents a challenge to inspire readers to train for it and have a go. Most take only a few hours, but some are longer, and a few much longer, taking even the fittest several days. An introduction explains safety techniques and underlines the skills, knowledge, equipment and fitness levels required. The rides are graded in ascending difficulty within each region. Each ride suggests regular escape points to get riders to a safe place should the weather close in and draws attention to places where extra care should be taken. Some rides are on marked routes, like the Trans-Pennine Trail, some are races or organised challenges, while others are routes the author himself has mapped out. Each ride is illustrated with photos, an annotated map and a profile of Trade ReviewPraise for Wild Cycling:This is the perfect pocket guide to some of Britain's best off-road rides. - Cycling Weekly

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Book SynopsisA profound insight into the stories behind the image of the Tour de France, showcasing the sacrifice, despair, strategy and chaos of those four weeks in July to reveal a fascinating new perspective on the greatest race on earth. Every year the Tour de France puts on one of the great viewing spectacles in sport, showcasing extraordinary human endurance and one of the most beautiful countries on the planet. But underneath the facade, it's a different story – a story of suffering, sacrifice and pain. This is that story. Pain and Privilege gets under the skin of cycling’s cruel super race and describes what the race that unites people from all over the globe is really like, from the laughs to the tears, from the politics to the personal, from inspirational triumph to desperate failure. Team staff, sports scientists, psychologists, media and dignitaries all contribute to draw a more complex and confronting portrait of the world's grandest sporting spectacle. With exclusive contributions from Richie Porte, Cadel Evans, Chris Froome, Michael Matthews, Caleb Ewan, Sam Bennett, Robbie McEwen, Michael Mørkøv, Jens Debusschere, Matt White, Allan Peiper, Cherie Pridham, Enrico Poitschke, Mathew Hayman, Simon Clarke, Marcel Kittel and Luke Durbridge. Plus, insights from Geraint Thomas, Mark Cavendish, Patrick Lefevere, David Brailsford, Tadej Pogačar and more.

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Book SynopsisCycling in the Hebrides is a comprehensive guidebook of routes, day rides and suggested island cycle tours throughout the Inner and Outer Hebrides and the Firth of Clyde with ferry schedules and timings. Routes range from rides suitable for a weekend break to a challenging 600 mile tour covering the entire region.

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a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

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Book SynopsisNutrition for Cyclists is essential reading for all keen riders who want to learn about what, when and how much to eat and drink to improve their performance. This practical book shows cyclists how to design the right diet that will allow them to incorporate a rigorous training regime into a busy lifestyle. With over 30 years' experience of working with sportsmen and women at the highest levels, Jane Griffin explains the background science behind her dietary advice and addresses the day-to-day concerns of today's two-wheeled enthusiasts. Topics include: the energy requirements of the cyclist; effective meal planning for training and competition; how to stay hydrated and how to rehydrate efficiently; eating to aid recovery from illness or injury; supplements and Ergogenic Aids; how to lose weight and maintain performance and finally, special advice for younger, older, female and vegetarian cyclists.Trade Review"Diet and nutrition are as key a part of cycling as the pedals or chain." -- Nigel Mitchell, Head of Nutrition British Cycling/Team Sky

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Book SynopsisThe Trans Pennine Trail (TPT) is one of the finest long-distance cycle rides in England and tackling the route over four days is a marvellous mini-adventure that should appeal to all sorts of cyclists. Every stage of this 205-mile long cycle route, from Southport on Merseyside to Hornsea in East Yorkshire, is described by author Nicolas Mitchell, including fascinating accounts of its rich industrial heritage and details of many opportunities to explore its glorious natural history. This new book icnludes detailed route maps to help you keep on track; full-colour and archive photographs of all the sights along the way; detailed listings of accommodation, places to eat and drink and local bike shops and advice on how to prepare yourself and your bike for the trip.

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Book SynopsisAcross the UK, into Europe and further afield, these are the training rides, races and journeys closest to his heart. From one-day classics in the Peak District and Snowdonia to the rolling roads of Tuscany and the wide-open vistas of New Zealand's South Island, these are the routes you'll want to ride alongside Britain's favourite cycling superstar.We ride out with him from his winter home in the south of France, and around his old Tuscan training base as a GB Olympic hopeful at the very start of his career. We take in the valley roads of the Tour de Suisse (overall winner, 2022), and the sinuous coastal roads of Milan - San Remo.We go long in Mallorca and bounce along the short cobbled secteurs of Belgium; we take in the vineyards around Adelaide and the bright blue skies of southern California.And we have guest rides too: from world champion Remco Evenepoel and his favourite winter training ride in Calpe, Spain; around Yorkshire, with Olympic mountain bike champion, world cyclo-cross champion and newly crowned winner of Strade Bianche, Tom Pidcock; in the wilds of western Ireland from champion sprinter Sam Bennett.Twenty rides, twenty adventures you'll never forget. All of this in a small-size hardback that can slide just as easily into your hand luggage as the back pocket of your jersey.

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Book SynopsisRule #6: Free your mind and your legs will follow.THE VELOMINATI embrace cycling not as a pastime, but as a way of life, as obsessed with style, heritage, authenticity and wisdom as with performance.Rule #9: If you cycle in bad weather, it means you are a badass. Period.THE RULES is their Bible. It is an essential part of every cyclist''s arsenal - whether you''re grudgingly cycling to work in the rain or gearing up to be the next Bradley Wiggins, Chris Hoy or Victoria Pendleton.Rule #12: The correct number of bikes to own is n+1, where n is the number of bikes currently owned.

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Book SynopsisJo Burt's comic strips detailing the adventures of Mint, a mountain-biking sheep, have amused and delighted readers for over three decades. Join Mint as he rides through an enchanting, bucolic world in which Death stalks the whaleback hills of the South Downs and Summer is a beautiful, capricious goddess.

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Book Synopsis'I pulled off my glasses and wiped my eyes. "That was perhaps the last race of my career..."'Deep down, Mark Cavendish thought he was finished. After illness, setbacks and clinical depression, the once fastest man in the world had been written off by most. And at the age of 36, even he believed his explosive cycling career would fade out with a whimper. The Manxman hadn't won a single Grand Tour stage in Italy, Spain or France since 2016.But then came his incredible resurrection at the 2021 Tour de France. Included on the Deceuninck Quick-Step team at the very last minute, only after Sam Bennett suffered an injury, Mark set about rewriting history. He claimed back the green jersey he first wore in 2011, and his four stage victories finally saw him matching Belgian legend Eddy Merckx's all-time record of 34 Tour de France stage wins. Cycling greats are never content, and Cav's dogged determination and inner strength had earned him the record that few believed he could ever achieve. This is his own intimate account of that race, right from the saddle of the miracle tour.

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Book SynopsisDiscover the beauty and delights of London''s waterways, on foot or by boat, with Derek Pratt and Richard Mayon-White''s fascinating and thorough guide.To really explore London''s canals is to see the city in a way you''ve never seen it before. A different world, away from the hustle-bustle of overladen streets and towering skyscrapers, the waterways offer a unique paradise, full of wildlife, brightly coloured narrowboats, lush greenery and an environment steeped in history. London''s Canals will open your eyes to this world and show you all it has to offer, walking with you along the vast stretches of each canal, pointing out the many sights to see and enjoy, pubs to quench your thirst in and history to marvel at. Enjoy whole days out with family and friends, or just an hour or two, choosing a stretch of canal and discovering so many sights and attractions either on or within a short walk from the water''s edge. With information boxes, travel directionTrade ReviewIt gives 21 splendid walks ranging from 1-7 miles, the quality of the photography is never less than excellent, and the narrative is well written. * Waterways World *It's an essential companion for those looking to get the most out of exploring London's canals. * Canal Boat *Table of ContentsIntroduction London's other waterway The Grand Union main line, Brentford to Denham The Slough Arm The Paddington Canal The Regent's Canal The Lee Some other London waterways Conclusion Further reading Useful addresses

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Book SynopsisMeet Gary Fisher. The maverick kid bike racer who cycled straight into the Acid Test scene and lit up the Grateful Dead gigs, the relentless tinkerer who transformed an industry and sold mountain biking to the world and the visionary who's still working flat-out every day to prove that bikes are the answer to a healthier, happier future for everyone. A collaboration with cycling writer Guy Kesteven, Being Gary Fisher and the Bicycle Revolution is an autobiography of sorts. It's also a mind-blowing trip of ingenious innovation, dogged determination and boundless energy. Get caught up in Gary's crazy tales and his lifelong mission to invite everyone to the greatest dance on earth.

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Book SynopsisCycling Book of the Year - Cross British Sports Book Awards When the 'Iron Curtain' descended across Europe, Dieter Wiedemann was a hero of East German sport. A podium finisher in The Peace Race, the Eastern Bloc equivalent of the Tour de France, he was a pin-up for the supremacy of socialism over the 'fascist' West. Unbeknownst to the authorities, however, he had fallen in love with Sylvia Hermann, a girl from the other side of the wall. Socialist doctrine had it that the two of them were 'class enemies', and as a famous athlete Dieter's every move was pored over by the Stasi. Only he abhorred their ideology, and in Sylvia saw his only chance of freedom. Now, playing a deadly game of cat and mouse, he plotted his escape. In 1964 he was delegated, once and once only, to West Germany. Here he was to ride a qualification race for the Tokyo Olympics, but instead committed the most treacherous of all the crimes against socialism. Dieter Wiedemann, sporting icon and Soviet pawn, defected to the other side. Whilst Wiedemann fulfilled his lifetime ambition of racing in the Tour de France, his defection caused a huge scandal. The Stasi sought to 'repatriate' him, with horrific consequences both for him and the family he left behind. Fifty years on, and twenty-five years after the fall of the Berlin Wall, Dieter Wiedemann decided it was time to tell his story. Through his testimony and that of others involved, and through the Stasi file, which has stalked him for half a century, Herbie Sykes uncovers an astonishing tale. It is one of love and betrayal, of the madness at the heart of the cold war, and of the greatest bike race in history.Trade Review'so much more than a regular biography... [a] unique account of life behind the Iron Curtain when the Berlin Wall was up and the Cold War was at its chilliest' road.cc "gripping book was as unputdownable as the best espionage novels." Seven Day Cyclist "A fascinating tale" Bikes Etc "moving and enjoyable" The Observer "The story of Dieter Wiedemann is an intriguing tale, encompassing a potent combination of politics, sport, love and betrayal. Herbie Sykes impressively balances the political and the personal, making The Race Against the Stasi an enjoyable, compelling and highly recommended read." The View East "wonderful book" Huffington Post 'a window into a world that no longer exists but which conditioned the lives of millions of people... most definitely a book worth reading' The Jersey Pocket 'A hugely rewarding read and a tour de force of excellent journalism' -- Brendan Gallagher TourofBritain.co.uk 'more than the story of a cyclist, more than a story about cycling... it's the story of a man forgotten by history but who deserves to be remembered, not just for the life he lived, but for the way the story of that life has been told.' -- Feargal McKay Podium Cafe 'a great book that mixes a variety of source materials to tell the story of a cyclist... a story that deserves to be told' INRNG.com 'incredibly impressive... a monumental work of great credit to its author and principal subjects, in equal parts social and sporting history and may well be one of the finest books i have ever had the pleasure of reading.' The Washing Machine Post

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Book SynopsisHe's ridden for World Tour teams for ten years. He's achieved top ten finishes in Grand Tours. But who is The Secret Cyclist and why all the secrecy?"Every public aspect of our lives is so tightly controlled that being truly honest is all but impossible in a newspaper interview, never mind a whole book. You try write a warts-and-all blog about your office. Question how the business is run, make sure you remember to call your boss a moron, and then tell me how it goes."What do the riders really make of Team Sky? How does the pay structure work? Why should you never trust a kit endorsement from a professional? Is doping still an issue? The Secret Cyclist tackles the big questions head-on, revealing a side to cycling that fans have never seen before.

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Book SynopsisCharly Wegelius was one of Britain's most distinguished and respected professional cyclists. He grew up in York, and went on to race for some of cycling's best teams, including Mapei, the world's most successful ever team. In his 11-year career he competed in a remarkable 14 Grand Tours (including three Tours de France). Charly now works as a directear sportif for the Garmin-Sharp team.Co-writer Tom Southam is a former professional racing cyclist. He raced alongside Charly Wegelius for three years in the Italian professional peleton, and twice rode the professional Roac Race Championships as a teamate of Wegelius. He now works as a writer and contributes to major cycling publications in the UK and internationally.Trade ReviewIf justice is alive and well in the world, this will be the sports book of the year 2013... a book that is well nigh impossible to put back on the shelf at the end of each chapter. * The Washing Machine Post.net *Interesting and revealing... the most accurate description of what being a highly-regarded domestique in the modern peloton is really like' * Cycling Weekly *One of the hardest working domestiques in the sport * Cycling Weekly *Couldn't put it down…the best insight into the peloton since Paul Kimmage’s Rough Ride -- William FotheringhamA must read. Absolutely outstanding -- Paul Kimmage

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Book SynopsisDiscover the story of Britain's ultimate cyclist and his ill-fated race during the 1967 Tour de France, from the bestselling author of Half Man Half BikeTom Simpson was an Olympic medallist, world champion and the first Briton to wear the fabled yellow jersey of the Tour de France. He died a tragic early death during the 1967 Tour. A man of contradictions, Simpson was one of the first cyclists to admit to using banned drugs, and was accused of fixing races, yet the dapper ''Major Tom'' inspired awe and affection for the obsessive will to win which was ultimately to cost him his life. Put Me Back on My Bike revisits the places and people associated with Simpson to produce the definitive story of Britain''s greatest ever cyclist. The fully revised and updated edition of William Fotheringham''s classic biography features a new foreword and postscript further exploring the truth behind the legend.The best cycling biography evTrade ReviewThe best cycling biography ever written * Velo *An intelligent, perceptive portrait * Guardian *A beautiful explanation of why Simpson's legend still exerts such a powerful hold * Sunday Times *An enjoyable, clear-eyed biography * Times Literary Supplement *The definitive story of Britain’s greatest ever cyclist -- Christmas books recommendations * Cycle Sport *

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Book SynopsisBernard Hinault is one of the greatest cyclists of all time. He is a five-time winner of the Tour de France and the only man to have won each of the Grand Tours on more than one occasion. Hinault is the last old-school' champion: a larger-than-life character from a working-class background, capable of winning on all terrains, in major Tours and one-day Classics. Nicknamed the Badger' for his combative style, he led a cyclists' strike in his first Tour and instigated a legendary punch-up with demonstrators in 1982 while in the middle of a race. His battles with teammates Laurent Fignon and Greg LeMond in the 1986 Tour resulted in one of the greatest races of all time. Three decades on from his retirement, Hinault remains the last French winner of the Tour de France. Here, William Fotheringham shows that while France may one day find a new champion, there will never be another Bernard Hinault.Trade ReviewA thorough, well-researched and highly readable biography about one of cycling's best ever riders * Road *One of cycling’s most fascinating characters * Sport *

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Book SynopsisDavid Millar was a professional cyclist for eighteen years, and was the first Briton to wear the leader's jerseys in the Tour de France, Vuelta a España and Giro d'Italia. He is now part of the ITV cycling commentary team and a key spokesman on anti-doping. His first book Racing Through the Dark was a bestseller and was shortlisted for the William Hill Sports Book of the Year award.Trade ReviewDavid Millar's book takes you inside the sport of cycling while also emphasising the absurdity of it. It's quite rare for a sportsman to be so immersed and yet able to detach themselves from it all ... The parts on crashing are amazing. I felt frightened and sore reading it -- Richard Moore, author of Slaying the BadgerCycling has always been about a great deal more than its winners, and The Racer is quite a ride -- Jon Day * Spectator *What’s it really like to be a professional bike racer? David Millar gives you an unparalleled insight -- Colin Henrys * Road Cycling UK *A love letter to the simple pleasure of riding a bike, and a very well-written one at that -- Jamie Beach * Bike Radar *Millar's love for what he did, and the curious world he inhabited for 18 years, shines through his prose * Scotsman *

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Book Synopsis**Shortlisted for Cycling Book of the Year at the Cross British Sports Book Awards 2015**Cycling journalist Felix Lowe makes the leap from raconteur to rouleur, taking to the saddle for the first time to complete his very own grand tour of Europe.Lowe''s light-hearted and entertaining travelogue charts his progress as he cycles 2,800 kilometres from Barcelona to Rome, crossing three countries and cycling over three mountain ranges, taking in some of cycling''s most fabled climbs. As he follows in the tracks of some of the world''s greatest wheelmen, Lowe puts professional cycling''s three major stage races the Tour de France, Vuelta a España and Giro d''Italia under the microscope, whilst capturing the potent mix of madness, humour and human spirit that make people identify with the sport so strongly.Powered by local delicacies and his trademark blend of self-deprecating humour and barbed wit, Lowe takes readers on an immersive journey through the CaTrade ReviewExcellent... erudite, pun-filled, often bawdy and never less than absolutely delightful to read. * The Jersey Pocket *There’s a touch of Tim Moore here... You will laugh and maybe wince as Lowe laughs his way around the Mediterranean. * The Inner Ring *Superbly crafted, well-written … Climbs and Punishment is binge reading at its very best. -- Southern Spin * Eurosport *Lowe keeps up an effortless flow of good-humoured chat and at the end he is a changed man - an aching but ardent pelotonist. * The Times *Laugh out loud funny ... a highly entertaining book that will appeal to the cyclist and non-cyclist alike. * Road.cc *

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Book Synopsis''A master psychologist - cycling''s answer to Brian Clough.'' MARK CAVENDISHThe inside story of Mark Cavendish''s Rainbow Jersey Winning World Title of 2011Twenty five years ago, British road cycling was in the doldrums: today it is at the top of the world thanks to Bradley Wiggins, Chris Froome, Geraint Thomas and the sprinter who has bridged all their careers - the Manx Missile, Mark Cavendish. British cycling has become that rare beast, a story of sporting success built from the bottom up. Project Rainbow is the story of this sport''s meteoric rise, told by one of its key figures, culminating in Cavendish''s world road race title in 2011.As GB Elite Road Coach and former Team Sky Performance Manager, Rod Ellingworth was one of the most important men behind this incredible rise. Here, one of the chief architects of this amazing journey, tells the inside story of both teams'' advance to the top.With an introduction by Mark Caven

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Book SynopsisCelebrating 200 years of the humble bicycles, in stunning photographs

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Book SynopsisA 100,000 scale detailed road cycle map for North Costa Blanca (the coastal zone and mountains around Denia, Xabia/Javea, Moraira, Calpe, Altea & Benidorm).

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Book Synopsis''A wildly inspiring adventure - from armchair to saddle.''Nichiless''A lovely concise guide.''A. W. BairdHere is plenty of inspiration for anyone who loves to ride off road and get out into the wild and stunning scenery of the British mainland. Each route suggests further routes and the book as a whole introduces the wild cyling potential of a range of different locations. These natural routes to wild places link country lanes, green lanes, bridleways, towpaths, trails and often ancient ways between places. The book is illustrated in colour and each ride includes an annotated route map and ride profile, also OS grid references. And a fact file gives further indispensable details, including an indication of how hard each ride is, and how wild. From Chalk Cliffs and Curious Sound Mirrors in the south-east to Cape Wrath in the north-west, the purity, beauty and essential wildness of these rides will ensure that over the yearsTrade ReviewThis is the perfect pocket guide to some of Britain's best off-road rides * Cycling Weekly *

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Book Synopsis'This is Dan Martin's long-awaited autobiography, full of 'the warmth, sharp insights and vivid colour of his 14-year career' GuardianKnown, thanks to his racing style and attitude, for being one of road cycling's last romantics, Dan has always shied away from revealing too much about himself and his story. Now, having retired at the end of the 2021 season aged 35 and no longer bound by the constraints of the racing circuit, Dan feels the time is right to tell his story in the same forthright and honest manner that he rode his bike.This book reflects Dan's generous and outspoken spirit, his resilience to pain, crashes, bad luck and, finally, his acceptance of destiny. Each chapter's title has a sub-title based on a typical cyclist's fear: the fear of losing a race, the fear of retiring from the sport, the fear of mountains or downhills, the fear of doping and, ultimately, the fear of death. Dan also discusses every aspect of the professional cyclist's life - food, discipline, money, dreams, friendship and betrayal. Dan is unashamed when it comes to exposing these dark feelings, his weaknesses and how he tried to deal with them, his attitude exemplifying Mark Twain's quote: 'Courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear, not absence of fear'.Written with his long-time friend and best-selling author Pierre Carrey, this is the story of a rider who never sought to conform to modern cycling's norms and someone who, in many ways, embodies an age in cycling which has long since disappeared.This is the celebration of a true cyclist's career, which will appeal to anyone who's embraced the weekend ride whilst dreaming of the mountains.'[Chased by Pandas] is not a conventional study of wins, losses and conquering mountains but overcoming the mental challenges of a sport into which he was seemingly born' The Times'Records the brave and tough journey of 'one of road cycling's last romantics' Irish Independent 'Chronicles the former Irish road champion's journey through the ranks of professional cycling' Cycling WeeklyTrade Review[Chased by Pandas] is not a conventional study of wins, losses and conquering mountains but overcoming the mental challenges of a sport into which he was seemingly born * The Times *Records the brave and tough journey of one of road cycling's last romantics * Irish Independent *Chronicles the former Irish road champion's journey through the ranks of professional cycling * Cycling Weekly *Full of the warmth, sharp insights and vivid colour of his 14-year career * Guardian *

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Book Synopsis"If Alpe d’Huez was a rigorous climb, with its mathematical progression of tight corners and steep inclines, the Izoard is far more awesome, a rocky wilderness at 7,743 feet, which needs only a few bleached skulls at the roadside to complete its sense of desolation."Geoffrey Nicholson’s The Great Bike Race is universally revered by modern cycling critics as the benchmark English-language volume of the sport and has risen to mythical status. It was the first book in English to tell the entire story of a full tour and truly captivates the reader from start to finish. Nicholson’s classic, vivid descriptions of the racing, the personalities, tactics and intrigues of the 1976 race are rotated with insightful thematic chapters where he lifts the lid on the broader culture and lengthy traditions of cycling’s most famous race and the greatest annual sports event in the world.Trade ReviewA reprint of one of the best-written and most thorough analyses of any edition of the world's greatest cycle race * Road CC 06/06/2019 *Nicholson has captured a moment in time, one that will remain so pretty much forever. But in the manner of a novel by Dickens, Hardy or Austen, the Great Bike Race is a volume that can be solely appreciated for its own values, values that are distinct from the race it describes and entirely separate from the final yellow jersey worn by Lucien van Impe on the Champs Elysees in 1976. * The Washing-Machine Post 06/06/2019 *

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Book SynopsisGeraint Thomas is treasured for treating his sport just as the rest of us see it: not a job, or a pharmaceutical contest, but an escape and an adventure. He's been with Team Sky since its inception, and is one of our most successful and gifted track and road riders, but Geraint reminds us that getting on the bike still puts a smile on your face and fire in the legs like nothing else.

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Book SynopsisThe bike that is most fun to ride is the bike that you have made yourself, and the good news is that anyone can do it. This simple guide walks you through the process, from working out what you need, creating the specification, sourcing parts, to the enjoyable weekend spent building your new bike from scratch. When your bike is finished it will need looking after, and the book includes equally clear maintenance guidelines; those expensive and inconvenient trips to the bike shop will become a thing of the past. Beautifully illustrated by Lee John Phillips, the book is a useful self-purchase and equally makes a great gift for cyclists and hobbyists.

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Book SynopsisGuidebook to the Fred Whitton Challenge ride (179km/112 miles over 7 iconic passes) and an alternative 5-day tour of the Lake District, plus 15 tough day rides from Keswick, Ambleside, Penrith and bases to the southwest and southeast of the National Park, taking in the best of the area's road cycling.

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Book SynopsisBeing the fastest cyclist in the world at the start line means nothing if your mind isn't strong enough to get you to the finish lineIn 2018, Leigh Timmis became the fastest person to cycle across Europe - in just 16 days, 10 hours and 45 minutes - breaking the previous world record by an astonishing 8 days and 17 hours. But when he set out to break the record, Leigh wasn't just trying to conquer the road.As he prepared his body for this ultra-endurance world record attempt, Leigh realized that he would have to confront deeper problems to make it to the finish line. Although test results showed that he already had the physical ability of an elite athlete, something was holding him back: his troubled mind.With the support of psychologists and sports science experts, Leigh confronted the past that had left him with vulnerabilities he would need to understand and overcome in the pursuit of performance. Then, cycling for 14 hours a day, from the west coast of Portugal to the edge of Siberia, he embarked on far more than just a physical journey.The Race of Truth is the remarkable true story of personal transformation against the clock, and the astonishing feats we can accomplish when we face up to our deepest fears.Trade ReviewBrilliantly relatable, honest and funny. Leigh has immortalized his incredible story in a way that will inspire readers. * Mark Beaumont, long-distance cyclist, broadcaster and author *Inspiring AND useful - Leigh's insights on the mental aspect of preparing for a big challenge are amazing; I wish I'd read them years ago. There's so much to learn from here, about achieving athletic goals and life goals. * Sean Conway, adventurer and author *This is a great read for anyone with an interest in cycling or adventures. However, for those with an interest in sport science, psychology or team dynamics, Timmis book is so much more. It offers a brilliant case study of just what it takes and just how many people need to be involved in order to take on a credible world record attempt. * Dr Josephine Perry, sport psychologist and author of The 10 Pillars of Success *An awesome story that shows what goes on 'under the hood' of a high-performance athlete. Leigh is an inspiration. * Jamie McDonald, adventurer and author *I turned the pages as quickly as Leigh turned the pedals. This tale of mental and physical endurance is both jaw-dropping and inspirational. * Steve Silk, journalist and author *A truly incredible achievement, and a fascinating insight into elite sporting performance - what it takes, and what it gives. Leigh brings his experience of an exploration of the world by bike and distils lessons from that, alongside the learnings of taking on something as all-consuming and ambitious as this challenge, and brings us along with him on a record-breaking ride. * Leon McCarron, adventurer and author *Leigh is an exceptional human being and he writes with honesty and humour. This book is both a fascinating story and a profound inspiration. * Lord Burlington, Chancellor of the University of Derby *A bonkers, fast-paced, and adrenaline-fuelled adventure. This is a fascinating insight into the world of ultra-endurance cycling. A great read, but rather him than me! * Simon Parker, travel writer and broadcaster *A compelling story of sport and self. Leigh's honest account taps into the importance and value of mental strength, proving there's more to athletes than physical fitness. * Mike Carter, journalist and author *Leigh Timmis' bravery is doubly impressive; not only did he take on a gruelling record attempt, but he faced up to his own inner demons and vulnerabilities. * Alastair Humphries, adventurer and author *This is a spirited, candid book, about aiming high and keeping going. It's impressive that anyone can sustain such a wild pace across an entire continent, but Leigh has much more to reckon with before the physical start line appears. His enthusiasm is captivating, even when the inner battles are hard won. He writes with great affection for the teammates who steered him and, with their help, finds the best in himself. It reminded me that mindsets are built, not bestowed; that faith in yourself can be the greatest challenge of them all. A fascinating, behind-the-scenes dive into how, and indeed why, world records get smashed. A banging adventure tale too. * Stephen Fabes, author and doctor *Wowsers. Talk about grit-on-wheels. I'm in awe of Leigh's willingness to push himself to the edge, in pursuit of a deeper understanding of himself and the demons that haunt us all. A beautifully written, immersive and truly gripping read. * Anna McNuff, author and adventurer *The Race of Truth is a testament, not just to the endurance of an individual, but to the potential for all humans to achieve extraordinary things given the right mindset, circumstances and support. Leigh's story of determination, generosity and sense of adventure is an inspiration to everyone, and we are very proud to call him an ambassador for MQ Mental Health Research. * Lea Milligan, CEO of MQ Mental Health Research *

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Book SynopsisEverything you will need for the perfect cycling holiday: detailed maps, accommodation, travel advice and all you need to know for an unforgettable trip. Taking a route from Belfast to Dublin through the most spectacular scenery and routes that Ireland has to offer.

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