Believe: Achieving the Impossible - How cycling's greatest sprinter made history at the Tour de France

by Mark Cavendish

The final word on a record-breaking career from cycling's most formidable sprinter.

Mark Cavendish is the stand-out British cyclist of our most golden generation. With his 35th Tour de France win in 2024, he became the outright all-time record holder for the most stage victories at the world's greatest cycling event. Breaking the record that had lasted for 48 years, Cavendish carved his name into history.

In this definitive autobiography, he provides an intimate account of his exhilarating career, transporting readers to his most unforgettable racing moments. With incredible photographic accuracy and insight, Cavendish recalls his final poignant victories of the Tour de France, sealing his legacy as one of the greatest road racers of all time.

Yet for all the once-in-a-generation talent and success, Mark has always been candid about the personal battle that it has taken to achieve greatness, and his story is one of struggle, sacrifice and the power of human determination. This compelling autobiography offers a rare perspective into the true psyche of a champion. Giving his definitive account with a fully reflective perspective, Mark tells the whole truth about himself and the era of cycling that he has graced.

Genres: Cycling, Sports, Nonfiction, Biography

285 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 23, 2025

Reviews

[Stephen · Rating 3 out of 5]

another easy going sports book

[Bruce McMillan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gave it three stars because I don’t know if I liked his writing style that much. the parts of the book I liked the best were when he was in the heat of a stage that I can remember watching. it was neat to learn how it really felt from the inside.

[Noelia Lawson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best book of the year that I manage to squeezed in just before the year end! One for cycling fans. In his own words it was just like his interviews but in book form, easy to follow and a page turner. Despite following his career I learnt a lot about the behind the scenes that we don't see, it was also lovely to remember past races from his view point rather than mine as the viewer. Thoroughly enjoyed.

[Jodi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun listen if you’re a cycling fan! Thank you for all the exciting times Sir Mark!!

[Will · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mark CAVERAGEndish . Easy read.

[Irl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like Cav the sprinter, his book cuts straight to the years and experiences that matter most. A genuine affection for the Astana team comes through as Cav reflects on the challenges of teambuilding, helping others, and the importance of family. It captures well how small things, such as not replying to a text, can quickly be blown out of proportion in cycling’s high-pressure environment.

The stresses of professional cycling are conveyed honestly, particularly the anxiety of finding a contract and the disappointment of not being selected for the Tour. Most striking is the openness about struggling with depression. The author does not shy away from describing how it felt, giving the book real emotional weight.

Overall, this is a focused and thoughtful sports memoir that I can thoroughly recommend.

[Brian Haining]

I follow cycling and have read Cav's previous books, together with other biographies and books about the Tour de France.
This book covers the last few years of Mark's career and covers his quest to achieve a record 35 stage wins. It interestingly covers his seeking a team that would be competitive and support a sprinter, together with rewarding him a good contract. This proved to be difficult following a number of years of illness, and it delves into team funding and sponsorship and looks at some of the team owners and sporting directors circling him.
The descriptions of racing tactics, particularly the last couple of kilometres of a stage, are thrilling and make you realise the skill, bravery, strength, and intuition he displays.
An easy read full of detail of the life of an elite cyclist. An easy read and interesting book about a sporting legend achieving his goal.

[Peter · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book won’t win any prizes for literary quality—in fact, it often feels as though it was dictated. That said, it offers a fascinating insight into the inner workings of professional cycling and the mind of Mark Cavendish, who comes across as a complex character. What stood out most to me was his sheer determination, along with the immense support from his family. His wife, in particular, deserves more recognition, he couldn’t have got his 35th stage without her. Overall, an interesting and worthwhile read.

Please note I read the hardback, which doesn't appear to be available on Good Reads

[McKay · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a legend! I feel incredibly fortunate to have lived during Mark Cavendish’s era of dominance. Watching him compete at such an elite level and redefine the world of sprinting has been an absolute thrill. Moments and athletes like this don’t come around often, and witnessing it firsthand has been truly special.

I loved this book and appreciated learning more about Cavendish both as a cyclist and as a family man. If you enjoy sports…especially cycling…this is a must-read.

Thank you, Mark, for making the sport so exciting to watch. You are a legend.

[James Walsh · Rating 5 out of 5]

The entire book basically builds to the achievement of Mark’s last win in the Tour de France. Yes he overtook the record but that was never his aim, so he keeps telling himself and the reader. It all goes though much deeper than just a list of wins, near misses and celebrations. We also get thoughts on what makes people achieve in sport, the deep psychological motivations that drive Mark and the intimate details of doing a deal with a team when you are your own agent. Superb book one I could not put down. Chapeau Sir!

[Bradley Howard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although a keen cyclist, I never seemed to warm to Mark Cavendish when he was a cyclist because he sounded distant and a bit uninspiring.
However the book is the opposite. Here's an athlete of the highest level who is full of self-doubt, a wonderful love for cycling, sees his role in his later career to inspire others in his cycling teams (my favourite part of the book), and above all a family man.

[Mark Pace · Rating 3 out of 5]

A worthwhile read for any cycling fan. I picked this up thinking it was his autobiography but found a memoir focused on Cav’s 35th stage win with worthwhile insights into the Tour and bike racing over the last decade. Cav has clearly struggled to adapt to modern racing and spent a good chunk of the book wishing for the days of old.
I have read many cycling books, and this is one of the easier ones to read. The writing was fine, and I enjoyed following the story.

[Stephen Kirley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m a self confessed, fully paid up member of the Cavendish fanboy fanclub. However, if you put that to one side (along with any bias it would entail), this book is a quite brilliant sports book about a quite brilliant bike rider. His 35th win at the Tour of 2014 transcended the sport and this book details the sacrifices made to get him to that point. Loved it.

[Athena Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. I met Cav when he signed this book for me. A true gentleman. My partner is a huge cycling fan and I’m new to the sport. The book was well written and gives a great insight into the cycling world.

[Jonathan Lloyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

brilliantly entertaining

I read this and Bradley Wiggins’s book on holiday. This book was far more entertaining and better written than the other poor effort. Believe gives the reader an insight into some truly difficult years at the end of this career. I couldn’t put this book down.

[Fabricio J. Zuniga · Rating 5 out of 5]

great read

Mark is able to recreate his 35 th stage win in the Tour, wonderful tale of tears and celebration of one of the greats in professional cycling.

[Enda Hackett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book from.a great man

[Simon Knowlton · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brilliant, fitting end to a wonderful career. A very enjoyable book.

[Bruce Luter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read. Bibidee bobbidee boo...