 IntroA good friend of mine walked into the office on a Monday morning. "How was the weekend?" I asked him. "You know I've been training for that bike race?" he replied. "Yeah," I said. "Well, yesterday was supposed to be my hardest training ride to date. I was up in these hills, and I started out ok, but then my body just hit a wall. I ended up having to call my wife to come pick me up." For anyone that seriously trained for anything, pushing past a breaking point is painful and often takes multiple tries. Today, we take a look at some professional cyclists that have gone there and then some. Whether you're actively on the bike or just a fan of the sport, these books are both inspiring and downright entertaining. The ListThe Rider This classic novel takes readers inside the mind of a professional cyclist during a grueling race, offering a raw and intense portrayal of the physical and mental challenges faced by riders. Slaying The Badger Dive into the captivating story of the legendary rivalry between Greg LeMond and Bernard Hinault, two cycling icons who battled it out for supremacy in the world's most prestigious race. The Secret Race Gain a fascinating insight into the dark side of professional cycling as former pro cyclist Tyler Hamilton exposes the rampant doping culture that plagued the sport. Cylclocross Delve into the exciting world of cyclocross, a thrilling and challenging discipline of cycling. This book provides valuable guidance on training, techniques, equipment, and race strategies specific to cyclocross. The Cycling Bible Whether you're a beginner or an experienced cyclist, this comprehensive guide covers all aspects of the sport, including bike maintenance, training plans, nutrition, and race tactics, making it a valuable resource for riders of all levels. The Midlife Cyclist Cavell brings in experts to advise on things like how hard should you be training, should you be supplementing, and how should you be evaluating performance as you age. A great read for cycling enthusiasts between 40-60 years old. It's All About The Bike Join author Robert Penn on his global quest to build the perfect bicycle. This captivating memoir combines personal anecdotes with fascinating insights into the history, craftsmanship, and culture of bicycles. The Secret Cyclist Discover the untold stories and behind-the-scenes experiences of a professional cyclist in this anonymous memoir. Explore the highs, lows, sacrifices, and triumphs of life in the peloton. The Yellow Jersey Club Delve into the elite world of Tour de France winners with this book that profiles the cycling legends who have worn the coveted yellow jersey. Learn about their extraordinary achievements, unique personalities, and the lasting impact they've made on the sport. The Cyclist Who Went Out In The Cold Follow the hilarious and daring journey of Tim Moore as he attempts to cycle the entire length of the Iron Curtain on a historic East German shopping bike. This travelogue combines humor, history, and adventure in a captivating narrative. Bike Snob Prepare for a witty and irreverent take on the cycling world with this satirical book. BikeSnobNYC offers humorous observations, critiques, and musings on all things related to cycling culture, trends, and absurdities. Alpe d'Huez The book delves into the rich heritage of the Alpe d'Huez climb, examining its origins and tracing its evolution as a challenging and iconic stage of the Tour de France. It provides historical context, recounting famous moments and stories associated with the climb throughout the years. Additionally, "Alpe d'Huez" explores the cultural and social impact of the mountain on the surrounding region, as well as the economic significance it holds as a popular tourist destination for cycling enthusiasts and fans of the Tour de France. Full Gas We had to include another book by Peter Cossins given his work in the sport of cycling (he's written 7 books on the subject). "Full Gas" is all about how to win a bike race. Cossins interviews professional cyclists and their race directors to get into the finer details about what he describes as "chess on wheels." Final ThoughtsWhether you're looking for some inspiration for your next ride or a good laugh, we hope you found value in this list!
By the way, my friend went out the following weekend but took some Liquid I.V. with him! For additional book recommendations by sport, check out our Recommendations page. And as always, see our Blog for additional content from our fantastic team of writers. Tags:
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AuthorJohn Willkom is the author of Amazon best-selling basketball books: Walk-On Warrior and No Fear In The Arena. John is an avid reader, sports fan, and father to three incredible little kids. Archives
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