The Call of the Road: A Complete History of Cycle Road Racing

by Chris Sidwells, David Thorpe (Reading)

Eddy Merckx. Fausto Coppi. Jacques Anquetil. Bernard Hinault. Beryl Burton. Marianne Vos. A sole cyclist battling over a pass high in the mountains is one of the most romantic of sporting images. In the past 150 years road cycling has been dominated by a series of iconic people who have redefined endurance and fortitude. Every decade has pushed human limits, until limits were extended by inhuman pharmacology. And these battles have not been fought over just one race, but an annual series beginning with the Spring Classics and then culminating in the three great tours - the Giro d'Italia, Vuelta d'Espagne and the Tour de France - before the cyclists retire to lick their wounds and start on another winter of training. The Call of the Road is the definitive story of cycle road racing, from the first race in 1868 to the present day. It is a story that has never been told as the professionals experience it - as a whole energy-sapping year. It looks at the beginning and development of the sport, it explains the tactics and looks at the different physical types that succeed. It explains why some nations have dominated this sport and why, until recently, British riders have underperformed. It also looks at the way the great races were founded and developed, and how the great riders stamped their authority on them through the ages. Sidwells doesn't shy away from controversy: dissecting the vexed and seemingly ever-present question of doping. The final chapter brings the story of road racing completely up to date with insight into jiffy bags and salbutamol levels. Truly international in scope, looking at road racing in North and Latin America, Australia, Africa and Asia, as well as continental Europe, The Call of the Road is essential reading for anyone who is interested in the history, tactics or personalities of cycle road racing.

Genres: Cycling, Sports

ebook

Published June 28, 2018

Reviews

[Stu · Rating 3 out of 5]

An enjoyable narrative history of road racing, with a distinctly British slant on it, this is understandable given the author but as most of cycling's history is centred in continental Europe does mean a lot gets excluded. I did get a little irritated by the author's constant references to a topic before pointing out he will get back to it later. The decision to end the book with a chapter on the history of doping in the sport was a bit weird editorially, but in the end the book was still a decent read.

[Josh · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn’t know what to expect of this, my wife got it from the library for me. It has a curious style that I quickly got used to in the first pages and I loved it. It’s entertaining, informative and I learned loads about the history of the sport and it’s present state. Highly recommend it.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid read, definitely a British slant to it, but interesting nonetheless. The writing seemed a little nonlinear to me and I was hoping for more clear cut depictions and focus on how the sport progressed since Lemond/Hinault era, but this was shoved in the last few chapters on the book.

Great read nonetheless, if you want the full view of the sport and the rich history on its origins and early progressions therein. This is the book for you.

[John Ryan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thorough, if occasionally statistic heavy account of cycle road racing across the world. Some great individual stories and engaging threads, but also occasionally some dry recounting of technical achievements or bare dates. An excellent introduction into the sport, all the more so for the frustrating bits

[David Findlay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic read

an excellent history of road cycling featuring all the old favourites as well as some brilliant anecdotes and diversions into different areas of the sport. Interesting, well written and thoroughly enjoyable

[Veli-Pekka Suuronen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting (in case you are interested in the subject) story on the development of road bike racing covering a lot of history from the first bike races and ending up with the subject of doping. Includes a lot of interesting characters and stories of them in an entertaining form

[Evila · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I bought an audiobook and listened in fascination. Every chapter was full of facts. A half of them I already knew, but now I see them in connections.

[Peter · Rating 4 out of 5]

A thoroughly enjoyable read, even for non-cyclists, very well researched and recommended for anyone even vaguely interested in cycling

[P1lates · Rating 1 out of 5]

Dnf 20%

[Rowan Greaves-Bubb · Rating 2 out of 5]

Comprehensive complete history of road cycling; covers all the big riders and all the big races. Solid writing style.

[Paige Butler · Rating 2 out of 5]

i really enjoyed the stories that were included but it could definitely get heavy on the stats. id say great for someone new to the sport and wanting a speed run to learning all the main parts of cycling