There are things he does alone, and things that he alone does.

Jacques Anquetil was a cyclist with an aristocratic demeanor and a relaxed attitude to rules and morals. His womanising and frank admissions of doping appalled 1960s French society, even as his five Tour de France wins enthralled it.

Paul Fournel was besotted with him from the start ("Too young to understand, I was nevertheless old enough to admire") and followed Anquetil's career with the passion of a fan and the eye of a poet.

In this stunningly original biography of a complex and divisive character, Fournel - author of the seminal Vélo (or Need for the Bike)- blends the story of Anquetil's life with scenes from his own, to create a classic of cycling literature.

Women are built differently, ride differently, train differently, burn different macronutrients as fuel, and have a different relationship with their bikes than men do. It's only natural they should need their own comprehensive cycling book. The Bicycling Big Book of Women's Cycling by Selene Yeager is a Bicycling-branded instructional manual geared specifically toward women. It breaks down the sport of cycling down into easily digestible sections, beginning with the history of women's cycling and progressing into equipment, lifestyle, technique, training, and fitness goals. The book also includes a women-specific section that covers cycling while menstruating, cycling while pregnant, how menopause affects your training, and how specific parts of the female body are uniquely affected by cycling. The Bicycling Big Book of Women's Cycling will serve as an indispensible, life-long guide for every female cyclist.

THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO CYCLING IN FIVE VOLUMES Volume One of The Cycling Anthology, a collection of the best writing on cycling by some of the sport's leading writers. Between them, they've covered hundreds of Tours de France and written dozens of excellent books and some have even ridden the Tour. Now, their work is showcased together for the first time. Volume One features original and exclusive pieces by leading cycling writers, including: - William Fotheringham disects Bradley Wiggins' transformation from track superstar to becoming the first Briton to win the Tour de France - David Millar discusses retirement and dark secrets as his friends' careers start to fade - Daniel Friebe uncovers the fascinating role statistics has to play in cycling - Jeremy Whittle follows Team Sky to assess the Lance Armstrong's legacy to the sport

In July 2014 the greatest cycle race in the world visited God's Own County of Yorkshire. The 101st edition of the Tour De France started in Leeds and spent two days cycling over 240 miles through the county. Inspired by Yorkshire's wonderful landscape and history A Bicycle Ride in Yorkshire is an illustrated guide to the route of Le Tour Yorkshire, by cyclist, writer and artist Heather Dawe. It is a guide to riding the route, to the sights and landscape seen along the way and to the rich cycling heritage found on Yorkshire's roads. Beautifully illustrated with Heather's paintings, the route is brought to life. On the first day Le Tour departed from Leeds into the rolling scenery of the Yorkshire Dales, past the breweries of Masham to finish in the spa town of Harrogate. Day two began in the historic city of York, from where it explored the industrial valleys of the South Pennines, skirting the Peak District before finishing in the steel city of Sheffield. A Bicycle Ride in Yorkshire is an essential read for any cycling, Tour de France or Yorkshire aficionado.

Freedom rider is an adventure in extreme endurance sport, as well as an inquiry into the unique story of our fascinating country. When journalist Kevin Davie started riding his mountain bike in remote, wide-open South African spaces he found himself on a 10 000 km journey that tested his courage and determination through blizzards, lightning and hail storms as well as forty degree heat, forging new trails through rocky and mountainous terrain. On his journey, Kevin completed the Freedom Challenge, the Spine (the Drakensberg from end to end), the Ride to Rhodes and the Ganna (Beitbridge to Cape Town). This is riding minimalism, the rider carrying all his requirements without any back-up vehicle. Two of the longest rides, 5 000 kms in all, are ridden solo. This is his story - why athletes push themselves to rise to the challenge of extreme sport - as well as an account of the country and the incredible warmth and support from locals who reach out to help in so many ways.

The world as seen from a bike 'Understated, comic and melancholic... It'll inspire you to get back on your bike.' Martin Love, The Guardian 'One of the most entertaining sports books I have ever read' Joe Short, The Daily Express In this award-winning collection of cycling tales, Wilfried de Jong uncovers the true soul of cycling - why we do it, why we watch it, why we hate it, why we love it - stripped bare. With his distinctly comic and melancholic charm Wilfried ponders life, love and death on his trusted bike, chasing the essence of our existence against the backdrop of major cycling events or while roaming alone in nature. Whether he is describing being ejected from Paris-Roubaix, a terminal incident with a bird while out riding, or explaining why he is standing stark naked on Belgian cobbles with a tyre in his hand, Wilfried unlocks a sport that involves so much pain, punishment, and a high probability of failure, but that will always liberate and inspire us.

A guide to today's urban cycling renaissance, with information on cycling's health benefits, safety, bikes and bike equipment, bike lanes, bike sharing, and other topics. Bicycling in cities is booming, for many reasons: health and environmental benefits, time and cost savings, more and better bike lanes and paths, innovative bike sharing programs, and the sheer fun of riding. City Cycling offers a guide to this urban cycling renaissance, with the goal of promoting cycling as sustainable urban transportation available to everyone. It reports on cycling trends and policies in cities in North America, Europe, and Australia, and offers information on such topics as cycling safety, cycling infrastructure provisions including bikeways and bike parking, the wide range of bike designs and bike equipment, integration of cycling with public transportation, and promoting cycling for women and children. City Cycling emphasizes that bicycling should not be limited to those who are highly trained, extremely fit, and daring enough to battle traffic on busy roads. The chapters describe ways to make city cycling feasible, convenient, and safe for commutes to work and school, shopping trips, visits, and other daily transportation needs. The book also offers detailed examinations and illustrations of cycling conditions in different urban environments: small cities (including Davis, California, and Delft, the Netherlands), large cities (including Sydney, Chicago, Toronto and Berlin), and "megacities" (London, New York, Paris, and Tokyo). These chapters offer a closer look at how cities both with and without historical cycling cultures have developed cycling programs over time. The book makes clear that successful promotion of city cycling depends on coordinating infrastructure, programs, and government policies.

In the late 1880s, Frank Lenz of Pittsburgh, a renowned high-wheel racer and long-distance tourist, dreamed of cycling around the world. He finally got his chance by recasting himself as a champion of the downsized "safety-bicycle" with inflatable tires, the forerunner of the modern road bike that was about to become wildly popular. In the spring of 1892 he quit his accounting job and gamely set out west to cover twenty thousand miles over three continents as a correspondent for "Outing" magazine. Two years later, after having survived countless near disasters and unimaginable hardships, he approached Europe for the final leg.

He never made it. His mysterious disappearance in eastern Turkey sparked an international outcry and compelled "Outing" to send William Sachtleben, another larger-than-life cyclist, on Lenz's trail. Bringing to light a wealth of information, Herlihy's gripping narrative captures the soaring joys and constant dangers accompanying the bicycle adventurer in the days before paved roads and automobiles. This untold story culminates with Sachtleben's heroic effort to bring Lenz's accused murderers to justice, even as troubled Turkey teetered on the edge of collapse.

'A wildly inspiring adventure - from armchair to saddle.' Nichiless 'A lovely concise guide.' A. W. Baird Here 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 years many of them will become classic, even legendary cycling challenges.

A revolution on the roads is approaching. Is it time for drivers to Give Way? Guardian news correspondent, Peter Walker, takes us on a journey around the world, exploring the varying attitudes to cycling on our highways. Visit the shining examples of Amsterdam and Copenhagen, where cycling culture is an intrinsic part of the approach of politicians and officials. How have these cities made provision for cyclists and what are the extraordinary benefits? And then take to the less welcoming roads of Britain, USA and Australia, where cycling can still be a terrifying experience. What are the tragic mistakes being made when planning and developing cities, and how do these mistakes lead to aggression towards the cycling community? Millions of us find ourselves frustrated by the motor mentality and fighting for our rights to ride. This brilliant, shocking investigation will prepare you with all you need to know to confidently claim your place on the road.

A remarkable biography of one of history's greatest cyclists--a man who lived a tumultous life, and was voted the most popular Italian sportsman of the 20th century Fausto Angelo Coppi was the campionissimo, or champion of champions, and this is the tragic story of his life and death, and how a man who became the symbol of a nation's rebirth after the disasters of war died reviled and heartbroken. The greatest cyclist of the immediate post-war years, he was the first man to win cycling's great double, the Tour de France and Tour of Italy, in the same year--and he did it twice. He achieved mythical status for his crushing solo victories, world titles and world records. But his significance extends far beyond his sport. Coppi's scandalous divorce and controversial early death convulsed a conservative, staunchly Roman Catholic Italy in the 1950s. At a time when adultery was still illegal, Coppi and his lover were dragged from their bed in the middle of the night, excommunicated, and forced to face a clamorous legal battle, the ramifications of which are still being felt today. Told with insight and intelligence, this is a unique portrait of Italy and Italian sport at a time of tumultuous change.

When Emma O'Reilly joined the US Postal cycling team in 1996, she could have had no idea how she would become a central figure in the biggest doping scandal in sporting history. Yet when Lance Armstrong, starting his comeback from cancer, signed for US Postal, it was Emma, the only woman on the team, who became his personal soigneur. This is the definitive inside story of that time, and of the enormous repercussions that resonate to this day for Emma, Lance and the whole sport. Emma had the strength to break cycling's omerta by speaking out against the culture of doping. She thought she would be one of many whistleblowers, doing what she believed was right. Isolated and shunned by the sport she loved, however, her reputation was systematically destroyed. And yet she had the courage to bounce back, and remarkably, to forgive those who made her existence a living hell. This is the ultimate memoir of truth and its many consequences.

The smell of lavender at a roadside picnic, waiting for the Tour de France to race past. The Pacific Ocean view from the 10,000-foot summit of Hawaii's Haleakala volcanic crater (after 5 hours of uphill riding). A fresh Fat Tire ale hitting your lips at the new Belgium brewery in Fort Collins, Colorado. These, and a wide-ranging variety of other experiences, all rooted to a specific location or event, comprise The Cyclist's Bucket List. The book will definitively catalogue both the iconic and little known - the accessible and aspirational - sensory and emotional experiences that instill cyclists with a deep passion for the sport. In this book, Ian Dille compiles and showcases the world's quintessential cycling experiences through extensive research and interviews with expert sources, vivid storytelling, stunning photography, and compelling design. The format includes lengthy in-depth descriptions as well as much shorter, easy to consume write-ups, ranging from locations such as Italy and Belgium to Nova Scotia and Texas.

Adventurers seeking the adrenaline rush and physical rewards of world-class mountain biking set against stunning and exotic landscapes, look no further. Rob Story, regular contributor to Outside, knows where in the world to go for the best fat-tire, single-track experiences imaginable, from Thailand to the Hawaiian Islands, from Cape Town to Sun Valley, from the Olympic Peninsula to the Atlas Mountains of North Africa. While much of the best riding is found in the United States, Story spices his top 25 trips with foreign riding in some unlikely and untrammeled spots. No matter where he sends mountain bikers, their concerns are addressed, from where to find gear, to which outfitters to trust, to honest appraisals of trail difficulty.

In En Cyclo Pedia Johan Tell - award-winning Swedish writer and cycling obsessive - uncovers the very soul of cycling, exploring and explaining the many and varied stories that form the basis of cycling culture. Beautifully illustrated, with hundreds of entries ranging from Tour de France stages to illegal Alley Cat races, and cult heroes to cycling slang, Tell provides a personal insight into this complex world that only a cycling junkie can. From a pilgrimage to the Bianchi factory in Milan to scouring the streets of New York for the origins of the fixie, via the bicycle cafes of Barcelona and the cobblestones of Flanders, En Cyclo Pedia is a complete A to Z guide to the unique, indescribable character of global bike culture. Entries include: - Alley Cat Race - Bianchi - BMX - Brooks - Cafes - Campagnolo - Carbon Fibre - Drag - Environment - Films - Fixie - Grand Tours - Hand-built - Hipster - Lycra - Mountains - Nutrition - Oudenaarde - Paris-Roubaix - Quicksilver - Rouleur - Scalatore - Shaved Legs - Style - Tattoos - Ultracycling - Velodrome - XC - Zedler ...and many more

Boy Racer steps behind the scenes of the Tour de France. It unmasks the exotic, contradictory, hysterical and brutal world of professional cycling from the compellingly candid viewpoint of someone right in the thick of it. Written off as 'fat' and 'useless' in his youth, Mark Cavendish is now one of cycling's brightest stars and one of Britain's greatest ever cyclists. Some have called him cocky, but to anyone who doesn't like his style, Mark will simply shrug his shoulders and reply, 'I know I'm good. There's no point lying about it.' Peers say that they have never seen anyone with Cavendish's hunger for success and while this fearlessness - both in the saddle and on the record - has at times led to controversy, it has also earned him the respect of ever more fans. In Boy Racer we follow him through the mayhem of the Tour de France in a page-turning journey of pure exhilaration.

Bicycling COMPLETE BOOK OF ROAD CYCLING Skills is a completely revised edition of the popular handbook for everyday road cyclists. Updated to include contemporary expert sources and fresh photography, it provides cutting-edge information on cycling technology, nutrition and supplementation, training, riding techniques, safety, and performance. The book also features advice for riding in various weather conditions, at certain times of the year, and on a variety of road types. Bicycling Complete Book of Road Cycling Skills includes specific workouts, bike-selection advice, apparel suggestions, and an entire chapter on medical concerns. Backed by the authority of the most trusted name in cycling, this is a book no road cyclist should be without.

lanterne rouge (French | noun): The competitor who finishes last in the Tour de France Froome, Wiggins, Merckx - we know the winners of the Tour de France, but what about the men who finish last? Lanterne Rouge tells the forgotten, often inspirational and occasionally absurd stories of the last-placed rider. We learn of stage winners and former yellow jerseys who tasted life at the other end of the bunch; the breakaway leader who stopped for a bottle of wine and then took a wrong turn; the doper whose drug cocktail accidently slowed him down and the rider who was recognised as the most combative despite finishing at the back. Flipping the Tour de France on its head and examines what these stories tell us about ourselves, the 99% who don't win the trophy, Lantern Rouge forces us to re-examine the meaning of success, failure and the very nature of sport. 'A lively account of largely forgotten men... It's not easy to come up with an original angle on Le Tour, but with this rear view Leonard has managed the feat in style' Independent on Sunday

Professional cycling is a rich, dynamic and often controversial sport that lends itself to great writing. Some of the most famous and illustrious races were founded by newspapermen and The Cycling Anthology continues this tradition by bringing together the best in the business. Volume Four features original and exclusive pieces by leading cycling writers. William Fotheringham remembers the journalist who was instrumental in bringing road-racing to a British audience; Ellis Bacon looks beyond Queen to the link between bikes and beats; Richard Moore finds out what happened to that 'little punk' (Lance Armstrong's words), Iban Mayo, and asks if he really did become a long-distance lorry driver; Daniel Friebe re-examines the ups and downs of Marco Pantani; Tom Southam explains what it's like not to ride the Tour de France; and much more. Between them, these writers have covered hundreds of Tours de France and written dozens of excellent books and some have even ridden the Tour. Here, their work is showcased together.