The Ronde: Inside the World's Toughest Bike Race

by Edward Pickering

Every April, up to a million fans line the streets of Flanders to watch one of cycling's most exciting and dangerous one-day the Ronde. Flanders is cycling's heartland, and the sport's followers there are among cycling's most knowledgeable. The race is characterised by a series of short, steep narrow climbs, often over slippery cobbles that can soon send the unwary cyclist tumbling.    Despite the race's huge popularity, there is no proper English language book on the story of the Ronde, but here Pickering fills that void. He explains how the Ronde is inseparable from its landscape, and from the people who line the route. He not only provides a stunning, in-depth account of the race itself, but assesses its history and how it has come to form such a vital part of Flemish identity. He will also reveal why this is such a tough race to master, one that has been targeted by the seemingly all-conquering Team Sky, but yet still remains beyond their reach. This is a book about cycling in its purest, most compelling form.

Genres: Cycling, History, Nonfiction

320 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 8, 2018

Reviews

[Gumble's Yard - Golden Reviewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brilliantly written account of the world’s greatest cycling race - Het Ronde, Vlaanderens Mooiste, the Ronde van Vlaanderen - read by me en route to watching its 102th edition.

Pickering bases his account around the 2011 edition - certainly one of the most exciting and unpredictable editions of a Spring Classic I have seen in my 30 years of following the sport (even if I feel that Pickering does not quite convey what at the time was the drama of the sudden collapse of Cancellara and Chavanel’s lead in Geraardsebergen - particularly after his astonishing performance in the week in GPE3. The eventual winner - Nick Nuyens - received less acclaim than the race, other than for his canniness, as he was barely seen at the front of the race until the final few kilometres - however much of this was due to a run of bad luck earlier in the race, meaning he was typically behind the main action, and this adds hugely to Pickering’s account, as, clearly having discussed the race with Nuyens in almost forensic detail, he is able to add colour about the middle and back of the race to go alongside the more familiar account of attacks and breakaways at the front. Impressively Pickering while respecting and celebrating the history and traditions of the race, does not resort to cliché (for example Nuyens own experience rather contradicts the “have to be in the top 20 at this point to have any chance” believe and Pickering happily acknowledges that, while a Muur/Bosberg fan himself, this combination was a relatively recent invention).

The books structure basically follows the race route - with (other than two chapters on Flanders itself) chapters based around the start town, each climb and the finish town. Each chapter features insights into the history of the race, some based on interviews with past protagonists, as well as local colour, Pickering unashamedly visiting bars, houses and shops alongside the route and speaking to those he meets willing to discuss the race.

Pickering, a well known cycling journalist in England, and perhaps using his journalistic contacts manages to speak to 10 of the top 11 in the race - their insights being spread through out the book (as well as their current views on the race and on Nuyens’ victory being featured in a fascinating epilogue).

Highly recommended for cycling fans. If like Pickering himself for many years you consider the Tour de France the most interesting cycle race, then you really need to read this book. And for fans of other sports, you really don’t know what you are missing.

[John Plenderleith · Rating 5 out of 5]

For the anorak. Loved it.

[Craig Warner · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great insight into the Ronde, with a good mix of race history told alongside the 2011 race in great detail. The Bergs are cleverly used to tell the story, bringing them to life as much as the riders. The race itself is covered fantastically and, using interview from before and after, it adds unique insight to a race many of us watched unfold on the TV.

Time is used well in the book. Whilst it's the 2011 race that is the main thread, the book uses previous races to set the scene and even jumps forward to races such as Gilbert's stunning solo victory in 2017 to add extra context. An enjoyable read and, having watched the race on TV, live from the roadside and ridden the sportive route, it's a brilliant insight into exactly what it takes to compete in the race, let alone win, as well as what it means to fans and locals.

[Matthew · Rating 2 out of 5]

First 100 pages I loved this book, middle section I started to waver, by the end I couldn’t wait to finish it. Sounds like ludicrous criticism but it’s too in depth. Just as you’re getting into the story of The Ronde in 2011 and how the race pans out you’ll then get 10 pages about the history of the Belgian monarchy or the Industrialisation of the local area. Some of the chapters were a whiz to read and others a laborious chore. Felt like a book that needed an Editor to send him back and lose 75 pages to me.

[Gandalf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cycling books, for me, has to be like this one for me to enjoy them. Elegantly handling the three subjects of The Ronde in general, the 2011 edition and the setting of Flanders, Pickering captured my attention just like the race does. Really intense in the beginning and end with a slight lull in the middle. A great cycling book!

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Engaging even for the non-cycling fan and a treat for the cycling enthusiast. Beautifully organized - the book takes you through the route of the "old" Ronde by following the events of the 2011 RVV, and incorporates diversions into the history and culture of Flanders, the race, and various winners throughout the years. Reading this is like watching the Ronde.

[Rauno Villberg · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the intent of the book more than the execution; but I love RVV enough that I'm rounding up from a 3.5.
The issue I had is that the bits that specifically cover the 2011 edition of Flanders are split up so that it's hard to keep track what's going on.
But the insight into the race and its history and just general Flandrian stuff - lovely!

[Gary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting format: the history; sociology and geography of the race head each chapter.
The race commentary gives an insight into the fluid tactics and attrition of the race.
I did lose my way with the different bergs. I'm a more informed rider for this year's event.

[Stefano · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great account of the Ronde: it highlights and narrates all the key locations of the race, explaining the history behind them and the significance in both the race and the local culture.
Recommended especially if you've been there, to get that last piece of the puzzle that makes it all clear

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

This will be another annual read in the spring.

[Lucian Stănescu · Rating 5 out of 5]

definitely one of the best cycling books I've read. can't recommend it enough if you're interested in spring classics. brilliant both on tactics and geography/history

[Christy Fernando · Rating 1 out of 5]

One of the best book.

[Dirk Flach · Rating 3 out of 5]

Voor de wielerliefhebber veel interessants in dit boek. Als totaal vind ik het echter wat minder geslaagd - het is op zich denk ik een goede keuze om het verhaal aan het verloop van de wedstrijd in een jaar te koppelen, de achtergrondverhalen - hoewel ook interessant - lijken er daardoor wat kunstmatig aan gekoppeld. En de soms wat wrakke stijl hinderde me.