Winner of the William Hill Sports Book of the Year Award 2022 WINNER OF THE TIMES SPORTS BOOK OF THE YEAR 2022 A TIMES BEST SPORTS BOOK OF 2022 A FINANCIAL TIMES BEST SPORTS BOOK OF 2022 A WATERSTONES BEST SPORTS BOOK OF 2022 A DAILY MAIL SPORTS BOOK OF 2022 Cyclist Beryl Burton - also known as BB - dominated her sport much as her male contemporary Eddy Merckx, but with a longevity that surpasses even sporting legends like Muhammad Ali, Serena Williams and Sir Steve Redgrave. She was practically invincible in time trials, finishing as Best All-Rounder for 25 consecutive years and setting a world record in 1967 for the distance covered in 12 hours that beat the men. She won multiple world titles, even when the distances didn't play to her strengths. But her achievements were limited by discrimination from the cycling authorities, and by her strictly amateur status against state-sponsored rivals from Eastern Bloc nations. Yet she carried on winning, beating men and - infamously - competing against her own daughter, while working on a farm and running a household. Her motivation, sparked by appalling childhood illness, is as fascinating as her achievements are stunning. With access to previously unseen correspondence and photographs, and through extensive interviews with family, friends, rivals and fellow giants from across sport, acclaimed journalist Jeremy Wilson peels back the layers to reveal one of the most complex, enigmatic and compelling characters in cycling history. For the first time, he also provides the jaw-dropping answer to how fast she would still be on modern cycling technology. Long ignored by sporting history, Burton's life story - recently told by Maxine Peake in a stage and radio play - is finally getting the recognition she deserves.

The revised edition of the classic cycling guide by Harold Briercliffe of 1950. Used as the inspiration for the Britain by Bike television series and a vital part of the award-winning Britain by Bike book by Jane Eastoe, the original book is reproduced along with suggested cycling routes in the Central England region for today's cyclists. Harold Briercliffe was the Alfred Wainwright of cycling and his books provide great insight into cycling in various parts of the UK in the 1940s. Harold's fascinating description of the towns, villages and roads of Britain at the time is a joy for all those who love these isles and especially for cyclists looking for inspiration. Many roads have changed over the decades and are now too busy for enjoyable cycling, so Mark Jarman, along with Sustrans, have made suggestions for alternative routes in the region for today's cyclists. The book includes the original photographs taken by Harold Briercliffe and the original illustrations. The Cycling Touring Guide: Southern England covers cycle routes in the Thames Valley and the Cotswolds, The Isle of Wight, The New Forest, between London and the South Coast, and routes along the South Coast. The cycle routes vary in length from half day and day-long trips to weekend and week-long tours.

This book analyses the Tour de France over its long history both as France's most prestigious and famous sporting event and as a European and, increasingly, a world cycling competition. This study provides interdisciplinary and varied perspectives on the sporting, cultural, social, economic and political significance of the Tour within and outside France, giving a comprehensive and authoritative investigation of up-to-the minute thinking on what the Tour means, now and in the past, to competitors, to France, to the French public, to the cultural history of sport, and the sport of cycling itself.

This book analyses the Tour de France over its long history both as France's most prestigious and famous sporting event and as a European and, increasingly, a world cycling competition. This study provides interdisciplinary and varied perspectives on the sporting, cultural, social, economic and political significance of the Tour within and outside France, giving a comprehensive and authoritative investigation of up-to-the minute thinking on what the Tour means, now and in the past, to competitors, to France, to the French public, to the cultural history of sport, and the sport of cycling itself.

One of THE 10 MUST-READ CYCLING BOOKS OF 2014 according to the influential Peloton magazine. This is the story of Luis Ocana, the champion cyclist whose entire career constantly veered between heroism and tragedy, always missing out the middle way. Born into abject poverty during Spain's 'years of hunger' and brought up in France, throughout his adult life he suffered from the effects of his childhood malnutrition and the perpetual question of self-identity - the common lot of the exile - Spanish or French, or neither one nor the other? Enigmatic and contradictory, Ocana was driven by a fierce pride, and an all-or-nothing scorn for caution and careful calculation which made him one of the most dramatically exciting riders ever.This is a biography that has been a long time in the making. Carlos Arribas, cycling correspondent of the newspaper El Pais, and Spain's foremost cycling author, has spent years compiling the material and admits that, even as a child, he was affected by Ocana's repeated misfortunes.What he has written is more than a conventional biography. He defines it as a 'fictionalised life story', or a 'biographical novel'.All the duly documented facts are there, but to that solid skeleton has been added the flesh and blood of imagined (but totally plausible) conversations, meetings and encounters. These are not mere decoration; they serve perfectly to recreate the emotions and recollections of those who knew him, encountered him, loved him, or coped with him. It also provides a compelling entry into exploring the complex personality of Ocana himself."If I was going to write one story about cycling it would have to be that of Ocana. He was the cyclist who made us fall in love with cycling, who made us sense the truth of this sport: love, happiness and tragedy." Carlos Arribas

First in a new series of cycle maps covering the whole country. The first map covers from Lands End in Cornwall to Plymouth. The maps are all produced at a scale of 1:100 000 showing important features including the National cycle Network. Sections on road, off road and traffic free are all shown in differing colours along with their route number. Other roads and their classification are shown enabling you to link rides or explore sections and discover new routes at home or further afield. Facilities such as toilets, pubs, accommodation, bike shops, repair stations and railway stations are all shown. The mapping also has relief shading giving you a clear picture of the terrain (and steepness of any hills) you will encounter. Scale: 100 000 (10mm = 1 Km, 16mm = 1 Mile) Folded size: 163mm x 105mm Unfolded: 650mm x 800mm Tear and water-resistant paper Double sided

SHORTLISTED 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.

'African epic' is a photographic collection, capturing the allure of the Untamed African mountain bike race. Every year, the event produces great stories of personal triumph, inspiration, honour, the settling of old scores, and rising above adversity. This book will inspire you to join the journey of the Absa Cape Epic, whether it's blazing the trail at next year's race or watching from the comfort of your armchair, witnessing this great tale unfold.

The story of the Giro d'Italia - Italy's equivalent of the Tour de France, and its superior in the eyes of many - is as dramatic and full of extraordinary characters as the story of Italy itself. Heroism, suffering, feuds and betrayals, tradition under threat from modernity all play out against a timeless landscape. The iconic riders, mythical stories and career defining exploits are conveyed in rich, vibrant prose.

This guidebook describes two cycle routes between London and Paris: the 490km 'classic route' and the 387km Avenue Verte. Passing through rolling chalk downland and characterful market towns, the trails link these two great cities with their grand buildings, famous museums and iconic monuments. Ideal both for cycle-touring holidays and charity challenges, both routes are well within the capabilities of cyclists of moderate fitness and will generally take between five days and a week - meaning that a round trip, including a few days sightseeing in Paris, can easily be accomplished in a fortnight. The routes are described in both directions, with the primary route description running from London to Paris. The classic route is presented in eleven stages; the Avenue Verte in nine, with clear step-by-step directions accompanied by mapping, elevation profiles and notes on local points of interest. A comprehensive introduction covers all the practicalities, such as Channel crossings, accommodation and what to take, and also offers a fascinating historical overview of southern England and northern France. A summary of facilities, useful contacts and an English-French glossary can be found in the appendices. The classic route crosses the Channel between Dover and Calais and makes use of quiet country roads, rural tracks and dedicated cycle paths, with a number of off-road sections. Developed to celebrate the 2012 London Olympics, the Avenue Verte is fully waymarked and makes maximum use of Sustrans off-road cycle tracks in England and voies vertes (rural cycle routes) in France: it uses the slightly longer Newhaven-Dieppe crossing. Cycling from London to Paris draws on the best of both worlds: England and France; the bright lights and vibrant attractions of the city and the delightful scenery of Kent, Sussex, Hauts-de-France and Normandy. The journey offers a wonderful cycling experience, as well as a unique insight into the cultures of both nations.

This second volume in this successful series adds another 30 circular road cycle routes of 28 miles to 115 miles, exploring the best of Scotland's panoramic back roads from the Outer and Inner Hebrides to the Borders. The routes include a Tour of the Border Abbeys, the famous Five Ferries route round the Firth of Clyde, a journey through the Flow Country, routes on Mull and Skye and the Golden Road on Harris. These day circuits include detailed descriptions and Ordnance Survey mapping, plus variations and extensions to ensure you get the best from your day

Bicycle Engineering and Technology is a primer and technical introduction for anyone interested in bicycles, bicycling and the bicycle industry. With insight into how bicycles are made and operated, the book covers the engineering materials used for their manufacture and the technicalities of riding. It also discusses ways in which the enthusiast may wish to get involved in the business of working with these fantastic machines, which are now being aided with electrical power. The bicycle is a significant factor in transportation around the world and is playing an increasingly crucial role in transport policy as we collectively become more environmentally conscious. To celebrate the importance of the bicycle on the world stage, a brief history is included along with a detailed timeline showing the development of the bicycle with major world events. Previous knowledge of engineering or technology is not required to enjoy this text, as all technical terms are explained and a full glossary and lists of abbreviations are included. Whether you are a bicycling enthusiast, racer, student or bicycle professional, you will surely want to read it and keep it on your shelf as a handy reference.

Dutch sportswriter, Nando Boers, and Pedro Horrillo, a Spanish cyclist riding for the Dutch Rabobank team, conceived the idea at the end of 2008 to correspond regularly via email throughout the coming season. They would exchange thoughts about the racing, the results and events in the cycling world. The correspondence, starting early in 2009 begins in that fashion - two friends swapping stories and experiences. Then in May everything changes, utterly: Horrillo crashes, horrifically, in the Giro d'Italia, tumbling 80 metres down a cliff face. Miraculously, after days in a coma, he survives but he will never race again. The correspondence is eventually resumed, and continues in fits and start over the next three years. Boers, infinitely patient and encouraging, is able to cope with long periods of silence from his friend. He understands the psychological healing will take longer than the physical. Then in 2012, Horrillo is able to confront his demons, returning to the scene of his crash where 'my first life ended and my second life began' and describing it in one beautiful, final letter. 'Amigo, here is the story of my pilgrimage to Italy.When you've read this, hopefully you'll understand that I feel free and relieved. ' The book includes 12 pages of black and white photographs by Timm Kolln.

A meditative love letter to the sport of cycling which explores how the cultivation of a tangible skill can shed new light on age-old questions of selfhood, meaning, and purpose.

Interweaving a deeply personal narrative of elite-level cycling and mental health struggles with an evocative history of Western philosophy from Plato to the Existentialists, The Art of Cycling explores the limits of rationality and how the visceral, embodied nature of sport ultimately has the potential to redeem us from the painful, locked-in isolation of our own heads.

In the tradition of philosophical road trip titles like Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance and On the Road, The Art of Cycling turns a critical eye towards our increasingly disconnected digital lives —showing how re-engaging with the material world can breathe new vitality into everyday existence and serve as a countervailing force against the sense of detachment which has come to characterize modern life for so many.

Top MTB Trails 2 covers the best trails, routes and rides in the three Cape provinces. Up-to-date route info, great photographs and excellent, detailed maps, along with AMA approvals, make this book the perfect companion for experienced as well as aspiring mountain biking enthusiasts. A comprehensive list of trails to explore in the other six provinces can also be found at the back of the book. So, get on your bike and ride! Top SA MTB regions [Eastern Cape, Northern Cape & Western Cape] Age group - all (sport, race, touring & recreational riders) African MTB Association (AMA) foreword & accreditation. Overview of trails, Provincial & regional intros, Entry requirements, facilities, warnings and important information. Trails: Top 42 trails, Other 67 trails, 35 minor trails, Other provinces: 148 trails. Tip box for each trail. Terrain (Jeep track, Singletrack etc.) Temperatures & safety (shared with hikers etc.). Access points. Map GPS, web. Mail, phone. Distance & time.

This guidebook describes 37 day rides for all abilities, and 22 linking routes for more experienced cycle tourists, allow riders to visit all the essential sights in over 20 islands of the Hebrides and of the Firth of Clyde. Routes range from those suitable for short weekend breaks to a challenging 600-mile tour (includes the 200 mile Hebridean Way / NCR 780 along the length of the Outer Hebrides). Whether you're putting together a fortnight's tour or just enjoying a few day rides from a single base, this guide is packed with useful information to help you make the most of your trip. The Hebridean islands offer a wealth of wonderful scenery: the majestic Cuillin mountains on Skye; the otherworldly palm trees on Bute; the marvellous white shell sands on Tiree and Harris. This guidebook features detailed custom mapping and elevation profiles for all routes, and comprehensive information of ferry and transport routes, accommodation, food and drink, supplies, cycle spares and repairs. Island hopping in these islands is a magical experience. The guide visits over 20 of them and each has its own interesting history and wildlife. Reasonably fit cyclists can enjoy these routes at their own pace; experienced cycle tourists will eat up the miles.

This volume brings together current academic research and knowledge on the economics and management of professional road cycling. Each chapter treats a particular economic aspect of the sport, from organizational structure to marketing, finance, media coverage, labor, strategic behavior, and competitive balance. By discussing the existing research and complementing it with the newest concepts, ideas and data on professional road cycling, this book sets an agenda for further academic research while providing insights for all stakeholders in cycling: governments, cycling's governing bodies, team managers, race organizers, sponsors, media. Furthermore, the unique characteristics of the sport of cycling explored within this text inform broader management and industrial organization research, as they extend analyses of team labor, broadcast revenue generation, and sponsorship financing models. Revised and updated for the second edition, this volume includes new chapters on women's professional road cycling, the economic impact of hosting major cycling events, and the willingness to pay for professional road cycling events. This book is equally of interest to academic researchers, students studying sports economics, and policy makers, such as race organizers, team managers, and sponsors.

Riders like Marco Pantani are made to be on the wall, and his remarkable riding feats are only part of it. The shaved head, the earring, that bandanna - Pantani could be the most iconic rider ever to have raced a bike. This poster book displays one of Italy's most beloved sporting sons in technicolour glory, across sixteen 250gsm prints all ready to be displayed in pride of place. A graphic overlay on each image is reminiscent of hours spent feverishly viewing cycling on the television.

Nutrition 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.

Cyclogeography is an essay about the bicycle in the cultural imagination and a portrait of London seen from the saddle. Informed by his years spent as a bicycle courier, Jon Day reflects on the way bicycles connect people with places. Parasitic on the city, couriers have an intimate knowledge of London, and for those who survive the grinding toughness of the job the bicycle can become the only thing holding them together.

This is the fully updated and revised 2nd edition of the definitive guidebook to one of the most popular long distance cycling routes in the UK, and now in full colour throughout. All the information you need to complete this 100 mile signed cycle route across Devon, the guide features: detailed full-colour mapping; accommodation listed and mapped; eating spots and places of interest; bike shops, tourist information and lots more; and, full colour photos. Cycle from the rocky coves and cliffs of fishing port Ilfracombe on Devon's north coast to the docks and impressive harbours of maritime Plymouth, experiencing a bewildering variety of scenery in between. The wide, sandy expanses of the Taw and Torridge estuaries are followed by rolling green hills, then the eerie tors of western Dartmoor. A final descent down the Plym Valley brings you to your journey's end. The route uses some of the country's finest dedicated cycle paths, developed by the sustainable transport charity Sustrans. These include the Tarka and Plym Valley Trails and the Granite Way. They are linked by quiet minor roads and bridleway tracks, making the route suitable for leisure riders, mountain bikers and tourers. Is there a more varied and beautiful 100 mile cycle route in the country? It's hard to think of one. This is a great short break or a weekend challenge.