Book Review – Seven Deadly Sins by David Walsh
Seven Deadly Sins My Pursuit of Lance Armstrong by David Walsh David Walsh’s Sisyphus has finally emerged victorious over his eternal struggle with the boulder – half man, half media – named Lance Armstrong. Beautifully written, shocking, occasionally heartbreaking, often resulting in the ‘ah, of course, now that makes sense’ sigh. A vindication, indeed beacon of hope, to all real journalists eking a living... Read More
Review: The Obree Way – A Training Manual for Cyclists by Graeme Obree
The Obree Way a Training Manual for cyclists by Graeme Obree. Edited & Produced by: Maximise Marketing & Event Ltd & obree.com £30 for A4 hardback £4.64 for Amazon Kindle Edition (at time of writing) “Training is bad for you! Training followed by rest and proper nutrition is good for you and will make you better prepared for the event you are training for.” Graeme Obree. This manual sees the legendary... Read More
Book Review – Bicycling Science
Bicycling Science, 3rd Edition Everything you wanted to know about the bicycle but were too afraid to ask By David Gordon Wilson with contributions by Jim Papadopoulos. The MIT Press David Gordon Wilson is British born Professor of Mechanical Engineering Emeritus at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He is the co-author of the first two editions of Bicycling Science and was the editor of the journal Human Power from 1994... Read More
Book Review – Slaying The Badger
Slaying The Badger LeMond, Hinault and the Greatest Ever Tour de France by Richard Moore I love sport – I love the grand tournament, the big match, the great race. What makes sport great for me is how it exposes personality – not just the obvious, like the braggadocio of a Muhammad Ali, the tortured genius of a Paul Gascoigne, the flamboyant elegance of a Valentino Rossi, but also those less touched by that kind of otherworldly... Read More
Book Review: Breaking the Chain by Willy Voet
Breaking the Chain Drugs and Cycling – The True Story by Willy Voet – Translated by William Fotheringham Wow what a book. If you had ever wondered how and why the Festina incident exploded or rather imploded during the 1998 Tour de France then this is the book to read. A read that will be hard to put down and if you do will be itching to pick it up as soon as you can! Written by the Festina Team soigneur Willy Voet, the... Read More
Book Review: Racing Through the Dark – The Fall and Rise of David Millar
Racing Through the Dark The Fall and Rise of David Millar by David Millar I have read many autobiographies about cyclists over the years, but none of them can be compared to this magnificent book by David Millar. The story can be read on two levels. The first is the most obvious one: a review of one of the most important and decisive periods in contemporary cycling: the end of the nineties and the beginning of the 21st century (the controversial... Read More
Book Review: “How I Won The Yellow Jumper” by Ned Boulting
For any fans of the Tour de France, who watch the ITV4 programme avidly during July, you will no doubt know the dulcet tones of Ned Boulting. He has become synonymous with the ITV4 programme, where he interviews the likes of Mark Cavendish post race, or whoever is currently sitting on top of the GC on that particular day. I was looking forward to reading Ned’s book, as I thought it would be interesting to hear what non-cyclists think of the... Read More
Book Review: In search of Robert Millar by Richard Moore
In search of Robert Millar Unravelling the Mystery Surrounding Britain’s Most Successful Tour de France Cyclist by Richard Moore What a book! Thought provoking or what?! To date this must be the most enjoyable book about a past cyclist that I have ever had the privilege to read. It was such a great relief to read In search of Robert Millar after having to plough my way through Sex, Lies and Handlebar tape (the story of Jacque Anquetil)... Read More
Book Review – Mark Cavendish “Boy Racer”
Mark Cavendish – Boy Racer This book charts the rise of the fastest sprinter in the world, from his earliest foray into bike racing (BMX) up to his record breaking 2009 Tour de France stage victories. You get to see the cycling world through his eyes, and his frank and brutal portrayal matches his persona. His honest account pulls no punches, just like his explosive sprinting power. His feisty temperament shines through throughout his... Read More
Book Review: Stephen Roche “Born to Ride”
Have you ever dreamt about sitting down with a relaxing glass of wine and spending an evening just chatting cycling with a former World Champion? What if you could spend time with a Triple Crown winner? Well, that’s how reading the new book by Stephen Roche ‘Born to Ride’ felt to me. It gave me the distinct impression that I was having an intimate conversation with one of the all-time greats in the world of cycling. The... Read More
