What do you think?
Rate this book
Shut Up, Legs!: My Wild Ride On and Off the Bike
Beloved German cyclist Jens Voigt isn’t a superstar in the traditional sense of the word. Although he won three stages of the Tour De France—and wore the yellow jersey twice—Voigt never claimed an overall victory. He became a star because he embodies qualities that go beyond winning and sacrifice, selflessness, reliability, and devotion. European and American crowds were drawn to his aggressive riding style, outgoing nature, and refreshing realness.
Voigt adopted a tireless work ethic that he carried throughout his career. In Shut Up, Legs! (a legendary Jensism), Voigt reflects upon his childhood in East Germany, juggling life as a professional cyclist and a father of six, and how he remained competitive without doping. Shut Up, Legs! offers a rare glimpse inside his heart and mind.
Voigt adopted a tireless work ethic that he carried throughout his career. In Shut Up, Legs! (a legendary Jensism), Voigt reflects upon his childhood in East Germany, juggling life as a professional cyclist and a father of six, and how he remained competitive without doping. Shut Up, Legs! offers a rare glimpse inside his heart and mind.
256 pages, Hardcover
First published May 3, 2016
90 people are currently reading
721 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 114 reviews
January 22, 2023
A brilliant novel showcasing Jens Voigt's life from behind the Iron Curtain to his evolution as a premier pro-cyclist to his eventual retirement. I loved every page of this book and definitely recommend it to not only cyclist but anyone looking for an inspiration read.
July 5, 2016
Like the man himself, this book was awesome.
January 12, 2017
I have enjoyed watching the European major cycling races over the past decade or so. Doping or not, what those cyclist do, day in and day out over weeks at a time, is amazing. I recall hearing Jens’ name mentioned quite often, so when his audiobook became available, I thought I’d give it a shot. It is exactly what you would expect from a guy with a long career in professional cycling, adamantly against doping. He starts with his life in East Germany and riding on the national team. Quite interesting how things worked there. He then talks about his career, not necessarily in chronological order. He includes a few pages of interludes by friends and colleagues along the way. He appears quite down to earth for someone in the cycling limelight for so long, and that’s the kind of story I was looking for from him. I really enjoyed the last parts of the book, describing his attempt at breaking the “hour record” for most distance pedaled in an hour with a single speed bike.
Of bookish interest: Early on Jens describes how he read books at night after racing. Depending on how tough the race was he might read something lightweight after a tough day or difficult after an easy day. He had an interesting theory in that cyclist who read, like him, couldn’t remember the routes they raced very well, whereas cyclist who didn’t read (almost everyone else) could recall the route and the race in detail. Not remembering how you raced a route could hurt the next time you raced the same route, so he’s saying that reading hurt his racing in this way. But he seems on reflection to have gotten more out of reading than he lost.
Of bookish interest: Early on Jens describes how he read books at night after racing. Depending on how tough the race was he might read something lightweight after a tough day or difficult after an easy day. He had an interesting theory in that cyclist who read, like him, couldn’t remember the routes they raced very well, whereas cyclist who didn’t read (almost everyone else) could recall the route and the race in detail. Not remembering how you raced a route could hurt the next time you raced the same route, so he’s saying that reading hurt his racing in this way. But he seems on reflection to have gotten more out of reading than he lost.
June 1, 2016
An interesting look into the world of professional cycling. I won it in a contest and it was a good read.
August 23, 2018
If you're a cyclist you'll really enjoy the storying telling. Jen's provides a great first hand account of what it's like to be a pro cyclist in the peloton.
November 10, 2020
Not well-written, like at all. But kinda interesting.
May 5, 2016
I couldn’t wait for Jens Voigt’s book to be released. When it was downloaded onto my Kindle, I was eager to begin reading. I was not disappointed. I enjoyed SHUT UP LEGS! MY WILD RIDE ON AND OFF THE BIKE by Jens Voigt with James Startt very much and read it nonstop over the past few days.
I could hear Jens Voigt’s voice in my head as I was reading and I smiled often at his language and expressions. He writes and commentates exactly as he talks - it is very refreshing. There is nothing coy or stilted or reserved.
Jens seems to be quite a character on and off the bike and his personality shines through on every page.
I like the conversational style of the book; the arrangement of the book starting with the title, cover, the chapter progression, the introduction, acknowledgements and photos.
Every chapter is interesting and his observations, insights, friendships, difficulties and triumphs are all worth reading about. I especially liked his reflections on growing up in a small town in East Germany; his love of family and friends; his descriptions of his teams and individual races; his preparation for his attempt at breaking the Hour Record and his thoughts on retirement.
SHUT UP LEGS! is not a tell-all, gossipy book, but an insightful memoir of the bike racer that is Jens Voigt.
Whether or not you are a cyclist or follow the sport of cycling, I do think you will enjoy this book. I would also recommend Jens’ Twitter feed, and his writing and commentating on various cycling races.
I could hear Jens Voigt’s voice in my head as I was reading and I smiled often at his language and expressions. He writes and commentates exactly as he talks - it is very refreshing. There is nothing coy or stilted or reserved.
Jens seems to be quite a character on and off the bike and his personality shines through on every page.
I like the conversational style of the book; the arrangement of the book starting with the title, cover, the chapter progression, the introduction, acknowledgements and photos.
Every chapter is interesting and his observations, insights, friendships, difficulties and triumphs are all worth reading about. I especially liked his reflections on growing up in a small town in East Germany; his love of family and friends; his descriptions of his teams and individual races; his preparation for his attempt at breaking the Hour Record and his thoughts on retirement.
SHUT UP LEGS! is not a tell-all, gossipy book, but an insightful memoir of the bike racer that is Jens Voigt.
Whether or not you are a cyclist or follow the sport of cycling, I do think you will enjoy this book. I would also recommend Jens’ Twitter feed, and his writing and commentating on various cycling races.
February 9, 2017
Jens Voigt was a cult hero in the peloton with his do or die attitude to breakaways garnering hime legions of fans, myself included, despite him never achieving serious greatness through winning a major classic or tour. This book is a very easy read, Jens comes across as a fairly uncomplicated individual who wears his heart on his sleeve. Don't expect deep insight into the sport, but plenty of anecdotes and opinion. The major downside for me is the discussion on doping. While his anti doping views are well known and well rehearsed here, he doesn't delve into the issues that must have affected him when personal friends such as Bobby Julich and Stuart O'Grady admitted to doping. He happily discusses the impact of the Festina affair and Operation Puerto on his long career but remains silent when those around him were involved. The cycling omerta is alive and well.
March 7, 2016
The Yogi Berra of the peloton entertains in this memoir of growing up in East Germany behind The Wall, then freedom as a professional cyclist known for an irrepressible joie de vivre both on and off the bike. A breath of much needed fresh air in a sport overwhelmed by a focus on performance enhancing drugs for the last 20 years. Whether you think Jensie, or "everyone" doped or not, this is a fun read for those that follow professional cycling or enjoy reading sports memoirs.
July 2, 2016
Good read. Nothing terribly challenging but does a reasonable job of detailing a long professional career. He's funny at times but sticks to a clean and straightforward tone. Does have me wanting to re-watch some of those great Tour of Colorado stages!!
January 19, 2017
Jens Voigt is an amazing athlete, not only for his incredible racing but for how he lives his life- with integrity, willing to give everything for his team and his family. I loved reading about his stories about cycling, his life and her perspective on cycling. He's also very funny-I laughed out loud though many parts. I went to a Trek event where Jens was speaking about a year before I read this book, and it's amazing how you can hear his voice in this writing. Just brilliant, both the book and the man. I would recommend this book to a would-be pro athlete of any sport as an example of how to conduct your career with honor and heart.
July 10, 2016
Received book as GiveAway. Gave book to my husband who is a hardcore cycling fan. He has his own cycling jersey and would watch the Tour religiously.
Autobiography, born in East Germany, a successful cyclist, although never won Tour de France overall, won stages. He'd be a leader in smaller racers, but did not win the overall race. Very interesting book, got to read about his personal interests such as he liked to read adventure books like Last of the Mohicans and works of Jack London. Foreword of book is good reading. Talks about his life before, during, and after cycling. Even touches on some of the recent cycling scandals. Recommended reading for cyclists, reads who enjoy stories about athletes and competition.
Autobiography, born in East Germany, a successful cyclist, although never won Tour de France overall, won stages. He'd be a leader in smaller racers, but did not win the overall race. Very interesting book, got to read about his personal interests such as he liked to read adventure books like Last of the Mohicans and works of Jack London. Foreword of book is good reading. Talks about his life before, during, and after cycling. Even touches on some of the recent cycling scandals. Recommended reading for cyclists, reads who enjoy stories about athletes and competition.
September 6, 2016
I really enjoyed this book because I love cycling and have been a fan of Jens through his Tour of France acclaim (the TOF/media complex). It was neat to learn about his introduction to cycling at the various levels, and learn something about growing up in east Germany before the wall fall. It was fun to learn about his take on many of the cycling personalities and scandal from that period. I also never really comprehended how astonishingly fast that guys can ride!
I give it a two because it is not really compelling in story telling, verbiage, of style.
If you like cycling I highly recommend this book.
I give it a two because it is not really compelling in story telling, verbiage, of style.
If you like cycling I highly recommend this book.
June 3, 2016
Very enjoyable story of how Jens became a professional cyclist and what it was like being one. He was pretty candid about the doping and cheating that was going on around him during his years competing. He can be very serious but also quite humorous. He has accomplished a lot and it was good to hear how he helped others when they were breaking in and how he really appreciated those who helped him.
Won this book thru the Goodreads Giveaways.
Won this book thru the Goodreads Giveaways.
May 24, 2016
I received this book free through Goodreads First Reads.
A very interesting read, I never knew that so much went into professional cycling. This book covers Jens early years growing up in East Germany through his cycling years and into retirement. I really liked how throughout the book he spoke honestly about the doping scandals that went through the cycling community.
A very interesting read, I never knew that so much went into professional cycling. This book covers Jens early years growing up in East Germany through his cycling years and into retirement. I really liked how throughout the book he spoke honestly about the doping scandals that went through the cycling community.
June 27, 2016
The beginning of this book has lots of exclamation points! But after about 80 pages, the writing begins to settle in. The first stories and perspectives given about growing up in East Germany were really interesting, and give insight into life before the Berlin Wall came down. Overall, if you like bikes and racing, you will enjoy reading this book.
January 5, 2017
Straightforward account by a self-admitted straightforward rider.
Voigt happily says he has seen little or no evidence of drug taking during his many years in the peleton, the naivety of which is only matched by his account of the Schleck brothers apparently delightedly supporting Sastre to win the Tour on Alpe d’Huez.
Voigt happily says he has seen little or no evidence of drug taking during his many years in the peleton, the naivety of which is only matched by his account of the Schleck brothers apparently delightedly supporting Sastre to win the Tour on Alpe d’Huez.
November 24, 2016
Loved it. I'm a big Jensie & cycling fan. Really enjoyed learning more about him & his entire career. Easy read.
October 10, 2017
Pure Jensie!
A true cycling legend of his time. Great read for pro cycling fans. Jens tells his story as a professional who defines grit, determination and longevity.
A true cycling legend of his time. Great read for pro cycling fans. Jens tells his story as a professional who defines grit, determination and longevity.
December 4, 2017
Alot of exclamation points!!!!
July 21, 2018
I approached this with a degree of reservation as I can't say I really bought into the Voigt cult, albeit mainly due to the people who did, rather than because of any animosity towards him. But he and his collaborator (ie writer) well and truly won me over.
As he acknowledges, Voigt was not a star, but was nevertheless a well known figure in road cycling, who seems to have recently garnered a lot of fans due to his personality. As a result there are not a host of major victories to discuss, in what was a fairly concise biography of his entire life to date. Voigt touched on his childhood but as with most of the book, he did not get bogged down in unnecessary detail yet managed to reveal a lot. One common theme throughout his career was that he worked hard but was not obsessed with his job nor his status, preferring to read after a stage rather than go over his power ratios with a fine toothcomb. No doubt some will (perhaps rightly) say that this prevented a great cyclist from becoming one of the very best, but you don't coast through Grand Tours if you're still racing in your forties.
Despite being a 'personality' Voigt wasn't just a joker though, and offered some interesting insights into a less wealthy, but not unhappy, society in East Germany, as well as the different levels of professionalism between European and Australian cyclists and the political difficulties of being a union rep. In a sporting world so often dominated by 'survival of the fittest' advocates, it was refreshing to hear a different voice, although on that front, there were too many points that had an unnecessary exclamation mark in some poor editing. The flipside of Voigt being a less controversial figure was that there wasn't too much in the way of revelation, although he is very critical of dopers in cycling.
I doubt that this would hold much appeal to those who aren't cycling fans, as it's neither dramatic nor a self-help guide from a champion explaining which positive trait made them the best in their field, but I quite liked it and Voigt seems to be an all round good egg.
As he acknowledges, Voigt was not a star, but was nevertheless a well known figure in road cycling, who seems to have recently garnered a lot of fans due to his personality. As a result there are not a host of major victories to discuss, in what was a fairly concise biography of his entire life to date. Voigt touched on his childhood but as with most of the book, he did not get bogged down in unnecessary detail yet managed to reveal a lot. One common theme throughout his career was that he worked hard but was not obsessed with his job nor his status, preferring to read after a stage rather than go over his power ratios with a fine toothcomb. No doubt some will (perhaps rightly) say that this prevented a great cyclist from becoming one of the very best, but you don't coast through Grand Tours if you're still racing in your forties.
Despite being a 'personality' Voigt wasn't just a joker though, and offered some interesting insights into a less wealthy, but not unhappy, society in East Germany, as well as the different levels of professionalism between European and Australian cyclists and the political difficulties of being a union rep. In a sporting world so often dominated by 'survival of the fittest' advocates, it was refreshing to hear a different voice, although on that front, there were too many points that had an unnecessary exclamation mark in some poor editing. The flipside of Voigt being a less controversial figure was that there wasn't too much in the way of revelation, although he is very critical of dopers in cycling.
I doubt that this would hold much appeal to those who aren't cycling fans, as it's neither dramatic nor a self-help guide from a champion explaining which positive trait made them the best in their field, but I quite liked it and Voigt seems to be an all round good egg.
December 20, 2018
I couldn’t wait for Jens Voigt’s book to be released. When it was downloaded onto my Kindle, I was eager to begin reading. I was not disappointed. I enjoyed SHUT UP LEGS! MY WILD RIDE ON AND OFF THE BIKE by Jens Voigt with James Startt very much and read it nonstop over the past few days.
I could hear Jens Voigt’s voice in my head as I was reading and I smiled often at his language and expressions. He writes and commentates exactly as he talks - it is very refreshing. There is nothing coy or stilted or reserved.
Jens seems to be quite a character on and off the bike and his personality shines through on every page.
I like the conversational style of the book; the arrangement of the book starting with the title, cover, the chapter progression, the introduction, acknowledgements and photos.
Every chapter is interesting and his observations, insights, friendships, difficulties and triumphs are all worth reading about. I especially liked his reflections on growing up in a small town in East Germany; his love of family and friends; his descriptions of his teams and individual races; his preparation for his attempt at breaking the Hour Record and his thoughts on retirement.
SHUT UP LEGS! is not a tell-all, gossipy book, but an insightful memoir of the bike racer that is Jens Voigt.
Whether or not you are a cyclist or follow the sport of cycling, I do think you will enjoy this book. I would also recommend Jens’ Twitter feed, and his writing and commentating on various cycling races.
I could hear Jens Voigt’s voice in my head as I was reading and I smiled often at his language and expressions. He writes and commentates exactly as he talks - it is very refreshing. There is nothing coy or stilted or reserved.
Jens seems to be quite a character on and off the bike and his personality shines through on every page.
I like the conversational style of the book; the arrangement of the book starting with the title, cover, the chapter progression, the introduction, acknowledgements and photos.
Every chapter is interesting and his observations, insights, friendships, difficulties and triumphs are all worth reading about. I especially liked his reflections on growing up in a small town in East Germany; his love of family and friends; his descriptions of his teams and individual races; his preparation for his attempt at breaking the Hour Record and his thoughts on retirement.
SHUT UP LEGS! is not a tell-all, gossipy book, but an insightful memoir of the bike racer that is Jens Voigt.
Whether or not you are a cyclist or follow the sport of cycling, I do think you will enjoy this book. I would also recommend Jens’ Twitter feed, and his writing and commentating on various cycling races.
October 29, 2021
Wow! Let me open with thatThat's the simple way to sum up Jens Voigt. While I may have rated this a 3 star book it honestly is anywhere from a 3 to 5 star book depending on things. I called it 3 because i was looking for somethign a little different in the book but fully get what I wanted. What I did get is understanding of Jens Voigt, his inspriation and drive, and what a cyclist he was which is outstanding from an inspirational perspective. Jens is someone that cyclist should look at and use to inspire them to push themselves harder and further. That said something between the story telling or thw writing style just didn't fully settle with me. Part of the reason is that each chapter is a mini-story as if told by Jens to you (admirable in one sense) but some of the chapters seemed a little disjointed or what I'd have loved is if there was a conclusion or something to wrap the chapter up so the reader could pull from a specific chapter and use that to propel themselves; but that's me.
As I said this is a 3-5 star depending. The story is interesting but it's also easiy placed aside for a while if you're not fully drawn into the book.
As I said this is a 3-5 star depending. The story is interesting but it's also easiy placed aside for a while if you're not fully drawn into the book.
August 25, 2019
Enjoyable read though probably only for those with an interest in Jens Voigt as a competitive cyclist. It’s written as if the ghost writer just transcribed everything Jens said in a few sit-down meeting so not much literary style. But the stories are told in an engaging and uncomplicated way.
His background in East Germany passes by quite quickly and then we’re into his efforts to turn pro followed by his long and impressive career. I would have liked to see a bit more of a critical eye on some of the known dopers that he rode with (as a strong advocate himself against doping). Bjarne Rijs in particular comes across as almost worthy of sainthood and Jens is too quick for me in being ready to forgive The Controversial Lance Armstrong. But, spoiler alert, he breaks the world hour record as the last achievement as a professional cyclist which is quite something for someone in his 40s. Chapeau, Jessie.
His background in East Germany passes by quite quickly and then we’re into his efforts to turn pro followed by his long and impressive career. I would have liked to see a bit more of a critical eye on some of the known dopers that he rode with (as a strong advocate himself against doping). Bjarne Rijs in particular comes across as almost worthy of sainthood and Jens is too quick for me in being ready to forgive The Controversial Lance Armstrong. But, spoiler alert, he breaks the world hour record as the last achievement as a professional cyclist which is quite something for someone in his 40s. Chapeau, Jessie.
June 25, 2023
Jens Viogt, pro cyclist. This is his (partially ghost written) autobiography based on what reads like an oral history. I became interested in his story after watching he commentate on the 2023 Giro for GCN+.
It's a good story, well written, interesting, and - for me the important part - seemingly truthful. He comes across as an essentially happy character who was dedicated to his sport and his role as a super domestique.
Voigt never won any of the big three stage races, though he did tie the then-current record for riding the most Tour de Frace contests (17). He wore the TdF yellow jersey a few times (if briefly), won a number of smaller races, and set a new record for the hour (51.110 km) when he was 43 years old.
Throughout the book book he "speaks" in a somewhat self-effacing manner in that he was only doing his job. I found that refreshing.
It's a good read providing a look at a pro cyclist who wasn't a "star" but who was very good at what he did.
It's a good story, well written, interesting, and - for me the important part - seemingly truthful. He comes across as an essentially happy character who was dedicated to his sport and his role as a super domestique.
Voigt never won any of the big three stage races, though he did tie the then-current record for riding the most Tour de Frace contests (17). He wore the TdF yellow jersey a few times (if briefly), won a number of smaller races, and set a new record for the hour (51.110 km) when he was 43 years old.
Throughout the book book he "speaks" in a somewhat self-effacing manner in that he was only doing his job. I found that refreshing.
It's a good read providing a look at a pro cyclist who wasn't a "star" but who was very good at what he did.
September 22, 2020
I'm an avid cyclist and TDF fan, and have read a few cycling books. As a fanatic to the sport, I give this a 5 star review. This book by Jens is much better than Sagan's (My World), which was a recap summary of many great races. This book showcases a real down to earth guy, Jens, and his birth in East Germany, and interest at an early age of bike racing. Around his teen years, the wall came down (Berlin Wall 1989), and Jens' eyes were opened to the free world and realization of the contrast to his upbringing. Jens is one of the few races in this sport who I believe when he says he never doped. A strong consistent rider who lasted a long time in cycling compared to many who just have short careers. If you like cycling, fun enjoyable read. If you don't like cycling, perhaps it will only be a 4 star book for you.
September 8, 2017
I am very much a recreational cyclist (my husband is more hard-core), but I have become a real fan of professional cycling. Jens Voigt's commentary always makes me laugh - and his autobiography did, as well. It's not expertly written, but it is in "Jensie's" voice, and that counts for a lot. Never knew he grew up in East Berlin, under communism. Never knew he had difficulty obtaining his first professional contract. Never knew how absolutely unshakeable his integrity and commitment to doing what is right. Great read. Love this guy!
December 30, 2017
Such a fantastic book. It was great that they allowed for Jens' voice to come through. It was as if he was reading it to you. As an avid cyclist, I recall many of his exploits and enjoyed reading about them again from his voice. The great person that he is comes through and inspires you to be like him. Though I have the opportunity to watch the Tour de France commercial free, I watch the channel with him because of him (maybe also because of Bob Roll). What a wonderful person and I look forward to whatever he does in the future.
February 10, 2022
Another great insight into the torrid, hard and high charged world of professional cycling. Jen’s isn’t scared to visit and touch on controversy in relation to doping in professional cycling and his thoughts and views. Nothing is for free and Voigt covers his life’s ups and downs from beginning life in the old GDR, through the Wall coming down and him achieving life long dream on the TdF. Right the way to the end of the book which covers is 1 hour track record attempt this is a can’t put down read.
July 30, 2017
Always enjoyed watching Jend
Jens could always be relied on to shake up a bike race. I was devastated when his speaking tour didn't come to Perth, Australia and I had to get a refund. I do wanted to shake his hand and thank him for all that effort.
Reading Jens's story was very uplifting and has redefined what I should be doing with my life now. His comments on his feelings once he finished riding professionally certainly ring true.
Jens could always be relied on to shake up a bike race. I was devastated when his speaking tour didn't come to Perth, Australia and I had to get a refund. I do wanted to shake his hand and thank him for all that effort.
Reading Jens's story was very uplifting and has redefined what I should be doing with my life now. His comments on his feelings once he finished riding professionally certainly ring true.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 114 reviews