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One Way Road: The Autobiography of Three Time Tour de France Green Jersey Winner Robbie McEwen
Robbie McEwen is one of the most successful road cyclists of the last 20 years, having achieved the rare distinction of winning over 100 professional races, including multiple stages in the prestigious Tour de France and Tour of Italy. At the Tour de France, he has taken the coveted green jersey three times. He spent his teen years winning just about every possible title for his age group at BMX, before discovering road cycling at 18. McEwen soon established himself as one of the foremost road sprinters of his generation. He took his first ever stage win at the Tour de France in the celebrated final stage of the race in 1999, on the Champs Elyseés. But it was between 2002 and 2007 that he had claim to being the fastest sprinter in the world. McEwen is renowned for being a forthright character, a favorite among fans, and respected by his competitors. Few cyclists have ever approached the sport in such a detailed way, and few have been as competitive. He now rides for Lance Armstrong's RadioShack team, still competing at the very highest level.
340 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2011
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
September 10, 2013
Not great writing, but an interesting insight into the world of pro-cycling.
April 18, 2023
Excellent insider account of pro cycling by one the greats. Robbie has a great story and he tells it well.
August 16, 2017
My first book by an Aussie bloke, and I must say I am happy to have read this book. An easy read, with a very friendly tone and a story that inspired me in many ways. The struggle and hardwork that goes into being a cyclist cannot be put in better words. Robbie McEwens struggle and determination is beyond my imagination. Im glad he rode and wrote his story.
March 3, 2012
When I was growing up we had a saying about cyclists: Strong in the legs, weak in the head. I discovered it's not true of them all. The very best cyclists are also strong in the head.
Robbie McEwen is a case in point. Possessing the right physical attributes just isn't enough to achieve over a long period of time - as he has done (you only have to point to the scoreboard for that: there's an impressive list of his wins at the end of the book). To be a top athlete in any sphere, you also need be be single-minded and driven, ruthless (a touch of the mongrel), resilient, have a good work ethic, be sensibly fearless and have more than the normal dose of street smartness.
McEwen is a sprinter par excellence. We may all find great intrigue and thrill in the race for general classification, like the tussle for the Yellow Jersey in the Tour de France - but for my money the sprinters are the real excitement machines. Nothing gets the blood boiling more than watching a number of sprinters hurtling towards that line, defying danger in a runaway train of fast-twitch muscles and adrenalin.
McEwen is as forthright in this book as is is on his bike, taking us into the heart of the peleton and giving us a sneak look behind the scenes.
While he doesn't dwell on some of the murkier sides of the sport, such as money changing hands, drugs and physical confrontations, he doesn't ignore them.
I like the way that this book chronicles just about the whole of his cycling years from feisty youth to the twilight of his career and the realisation that it will all end soon. Although he has passed the sprinting baton to another generation (he talks about the first time "a little fat guy in pink", Mark Cavendish, flashed past him and later likens him to a younger version of himself) he believes he still has something to contribute, perhaps imparting some of that deep well of knowledge on to younger riders.
He says he will enjoy going for the ride just for the pleasure of it. Though he admits that if the surf is up on the Gold Coast or a golf game beckons, he's going to have to weigh it up.
McEwen admits he has a Dr Jekyl and Mr Hyde image problem in cycling. Mr Hyde has had his day, now it's time for Dr Jekyl to be front and centre more often.
Robbie McEwen is a case in point. Possessing the right physical attributes just isn't enough to achieve over a long period of time - as he has done (you only have to point to the scoreboard for that: there's an impressive list of his wins at the end of the book). To be a top athlete in any sphere, you also need be be single-minded and driven, ruthless (a touch of the mongrel), resilient, have a good work ethic, be sensibly fearless and have more than the normal dose of street smartness.
McEwen is a sprinter par excellence. We may all find great intrigue and thrill in the race for general classification, like the tussle for the Yellow Jersey in the Tour de France - but for my money the sprinters are the real excitement machines. Nothing gets the blood boiling more than watching a number of sprinters hurtling towards that line, defying danger in a runaway train of fast-twitch muscles and adrenalin.
McEwen is as forthright in this book as is is on his bike, taking us into the heart of the peleton and giving us a sneak look behind the scenes.
While he doesn't dwell on some of the murkier sides of the sport, such as money changing hands, drugs and physical confrontations, he doesn't ignore them.
I like the way that this book chronicles just about the whole of his cycling years from feisty youth to the twilight of his career and the realisation that it will all end soon. Although he has passed the sprinting baton to another generation (he talks about the first time "a little fat guy in pink", Mark Cavendish, flashed past him and later likens him to a younger version of himself) he believes he still has something to contribute, perhaps imparting some of that deep well of knowledge on to younger riders.
He says he will enjoy going for the ride just for the pleasure of it. Though he admits that if the surf is up on the Gold Coast or a golf game beckons, he's going to have to weigh it up.
McEwen admits he has a Dr Jekyl and Mr Hyde image problem in cycling. Mr Hyde has had his day, now it's time for Dr Jekyl to be front and centre more often.
June 13, 2016
Robbie is a true great, and it's really quite a treat to have a signed copy! While I love cycling and the way this book opens the sport right up for all to see the personalities, exhaustion and merciless business politics, what I found myself coming back to was the book was an attempt at what I believe is a case of post-event re-assessment. I spent many years in competitive triathlon, and while I acknowledge the sports are widely different disciplines, what runs parallel to life in a team is the focus on the self- the introspective musings of a high performance athlete. There seem to be many occasions where Robbie, rightfully or not, assessed his own abilities and actions superior in many ways to his peers...whether physiological, tactical or motive. I found this was rarely reined in, and made for an often annoying get-me-to-part-where-he's-not-suggesting-he's-cycling's-golden-child feeling. This was even when he was beaten fairly. What I'd have loved was a fact check, cameo author appearance or editorial to help balance the content a little.
April 23, 2014
An extremely honest, informative, in-your-face, exciting, well-written and colourful autobiography. Mcewen has a big ego but he also has a great charm and it's hard not to admire and like him. Known for being brash and fearless, his book is a perfect reflection of his personality. What is a surprise is his deep-thinking analytical mind; he makes some astoundingly astute observations. If you enjoy watching the pros you'll learn plenty of valuable inside Information. One of the better sporting autobiographies and well worth the read.
December 29, 2011
A very easy read. Read it in just a few sittings as I was engrossed and just want to see what happened next.
A heap of details about what it is like to ride as a professional, none of which you really have any idea about just watching races on telly each year.
No nonsense style, just the facts. It hurts to ride a bike hard and Robbie knows all about the pain on and off the bike.
If you have ever watched the tour on tv, this will give a great background into what happens out there.
A heap of details about what it is like to ride as a professional, none of which you really have any idea about just watching races on telly each year.
No nonsense style, just the facts. It hurts to ride a bike hard and Robbie knows all about the pain on and off the bike.
If you have ever watched the tour on tv, this will give a great background into what happens out there.
July 19, 2017
A great insight into the mind and life of one of Australia's greatest cyclists and one of the best sprinters in the world. Awesome read that had me hooked from early in the book. It was that good that made sure I left it a few days between chapters so I didn't finish it too soon! Would recommend it to anyone interested in cycling, or anyone who needs some inspiration about being determined and dedicated.
July 12, 2014
Probably one of the better cyclist biographies I've read thus far. It seems to capture Robbie's voice and attitude well. Not too long in giving a good enough overview of his experiences. (I'm looking at you, Ricky Ponting and Steve Waugh for the opposite.) Probably finished a year too early though; would've been good to hear a bit more about his time at Radioshack (Lance) & doping.
January 26, 2012
A must read for any Australian cycling fan. Actually, scrap that, a must read for any cycling fan full stop. I've been a fan of Robbie's for 20 years and it's fantastic to get all the behind the scenes info and opinions he has.
June 20, 2012
A great insight to the workings of the peloton, Robbie is at times shockingly honest and also obviously giving "his side" of events and incidents. Recommended to any cycling fan, especially those who have followed Robbie's career.
September 17, 2020
It gives an interesting insider's view in the world of cycling. Good book if you are a cycling fan. Robbie recounts his experience from his early cycling days to the end of his pro cycling career. Also some personal stories such as meeting his wife in Belgium and the birth of his kids.
December 15, 2011
Five stars if you're a cycling fan. Interesting inside look at pro cycling from a rider at the top of his game.
March 6, 2012
Brilliant read. Very down to earth guy.
May 26, 2012
No holes barred account of Robbie's time in the peleton
July 18, 2012
A blunt and honest look at the world of cycling and the great classics. A little Aussie fighter and a great sprinter
May 22, 2015
Loved it, couldn't put it down!
October 22, 2017
I litt for stor grad en kronologisk oppramsing av karrieren.
March 30, 2024
Interesting insight into life of professional cyclist.
May 30, 2019
loved it!
August 22, 2019
Great book with many fun playful parts not what you would expect from a pro cyclist.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews