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Boy Racer: My Journey to Tour de France Record-Breaker
Live the pure adrenaline of the Tour de France alongside British cycling's hottest young superstar Mark Cavendish. In Boy Racer we follow him through the mayhem of the Tour de France in a page-turning journey of pure exhilaration.
378 pages, Paperback
First published June 4, 2009
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
October 23, 2015
More memoir than biography this book covers the fourteen days that Mark Cavendish spent in the 2008 Tour de France. Each chapter tells the story of a stage. As Cavendish relates the stage, each chapter also falls back to a story from his past - from his childhood, from his academy days or from his more recent days as a neo-pro. The transitions feel both natural and relevant. My only real niggle is that some chapters felt a little light on the details of the present day stage race. Which, after all, is what the book is supposed to be about.
It's not entirely clear how much help Cavendish had with the writing, no ghost writer is listed but the back of the book thanks Daniel Friebe for his 'help'. That said, either Friebe is a fantastic ghost writer or his touch was very light as this book reads exactly like you'd imagine Cavendish would tell you the story. Swearing, humour, arrogance and humility, as well as stories and opinions about colleagues that you imagine they'd rather he didn't tell are all in here. They add to the realism and manage to avoid being just an opportunity for Cavendish to tell you why some professional cyclists are even bigger arses than himself.
At the end of the book is a small epilogue that quickly skims you over the rest of his year up to the point where he presumably wrote the book. This edition also has an equally whirlwind telling of the 2009 Tour de France in a final chapter. While a nice extra to convince people to bye this second printing, it probably warrants a second book rather than just an extra chapter. Both these final sections lack the level of engagement that was in the main book and felt a little rushed.
It's not entirely clear how much help Cavendish had with the writing, no ghost writer is listed but the back of the book thanks Daniel Friebe for his 'help'. That said, either Friebe is a fantastic ghost writer or his touch was very light as this book reads exactly like you'd imagine Cavendish would tell you the story. Swearing, humour, arrogance and humility, as well as stories and opinions about colleagues that you imagine they'd rather he didn't tell are all in here. They add to the realism and manage to avoid being just an opportunity for Cavendish to tell you why some professional cyclists are even bigger arses than himself.
At the end of the book is a small epilogue that quickly skims you over the rest of his year up to the point where he presumably wrote the book. This edition also has an equally whirlwind telling of the 2009 Tour de France in a final chapter. While a nice extra to convince people to bye this second printing, it probably warrants a second book rather than just an extra chapter. Both these final sections lack the level of engagement that was in the main book and felt a little rushed.
July 15, 2023
A "meh" book, for several reasons:
-It's out of date, especially since it's pre- Lance's doping revelations. Eveything changed after that, and Cav's view on doping in this book seems naive. Unrelatedly (perhaps?), Cav is oddly not hopeful about the prospects of (future TdF winner and Team Sky rider) Geraint Thomas.
-Cav tries to justify his hot-headedness (and beefs with other riders) throughout the book, while at the same time calling another rider out by name as a "crash magnet."
-It's not particularly well-written, and cliches and bad metaphors abound ("Despite me being a sprinter, people wrongly thought that I would fall hopelessly behind riding on terrain any more undulating than a supermodel's chest."). Hopefully Daniel Friebe's ghostwriting has gotten better in the last 15 years.
-He ends the book by basically admitting that he broke up with his long-time girlfriend because of his own selfishness.
People this book is for: Dedicated cycling fans, or people who specifically care about the history of British cycling between 2003-2009
-It's out of date, especially since it's pre- Lance's doping revelations. Eveything changed after that, and Cav's view on doping in this book seems naive. Unrelatedly (perhaps?), Cav is oddly not hopeful about the prospects of (future TdF winner and Team Sky rider) Geraint Thomas.
-Cav tries to justify his hot-headedness (and beefs with other riders) throughout the book, while at the same time calling another rider out by name as a "crash magnet."
-It's not particularly well-written, and cliches and bad metaphors abound ("Despite me being a sprinter, people wrongly thought that I would fall hopelessly behind riding on terrain any more undulating than a supermodel's chest."). Hopefully Daniel Friebe's ghostwriting has gotten better in the last 15 years.
-He ends the book by basically admitting that he broke up with his long-time girlfriend because of his own selfishness.
People this book is for: Dedicated cycling fans, or people who specifically care about the history of British cycling between 2003-2009
January 6, 2015
Very pleasantly surprised. I read almost the entire book on a (long) flight. I never liked Cav - OK, as a Hushovd fan I consistently root against him - but he is a rare talent. As sports autobiographies go, this one is, well, shockingly, good. (I'm guessing that, even if you don't follow and love bike racing, you could enjoy this. This guy really wears his heart on his sleeve...) I can't say I like the guy more now, but I enjoyed the book. He either had a strong editor or a terrific ghost writer. This softback version had significantly more (and more recent) text than the hardback version - I was glad I didn't pick up an old hardback.
September 19, 2011
If you are a Cavendish fan - don't read this book. I used to like him - from watching the Tour. Through the first part of the book, I felt I could write-off some of what he said as immaturity ... but then it became more and more apparent that he is indeed a jerk. Just the same, I really did enjoy learning about the Tour from a sprinter's perspective.
March 19, 2017
Candid and enjoyable autobiography which gives a good insight into Cavendish – his “heart on sleeve” approach, his confidence in his own ability, his love for his Colombia team, his interesting relationship with British Cycling (e.g. he is very anti the focus on tests and metrics but as obsessed as them with the idea of aggregated marginal gains).
Book’s structure is a chapter on each stage of the 2008 Tour de France each also including detail either chronologically through his life or relevant to the area he is exploring.
This is neatly sandwiched by a prologue about the time up to ten seconds before his first Tour stage and an Epilogue frank in detail and unsparing in blame for others on his Olympics failure and then going through to ten seconds after his Milan San Remo win.
Book’s structure is a chapter on each stage of the 2008 Tour de France each also including detail either chronologically through his life or relevant to the area he is exploring.
This is neatly sandwiched by a prologue about the time up to ten seconds before his first Tour stage and an Epilogue frank in detail and unsparing in blame for others on his Olympics failure and then going through to ten seconds after his Milan San Remo win.
April 3, 2015
I like Mark Cavendish and really enjoyed reading this. It's nice and refreshing to have a cyclist who doesn't dope and enjoys bikes more than 'cycling.' He's someone who isn't all about winning. He wears his heart on his sleeve and doesn't seem to be ashamed about it.
In 2009 I got to meet Mark at the Tour of Missouri and have liked him even more since meeting him. He's a great guy and enjoyable to watch race. It's great to see him embrace the kid in him. I hope he never changes as more and more people find out about him being the fastest man on wheels and just an all around fun guy to watch race.
In 2009 I got to meet Mark at the Tour of Missouri and have liked him even more since meeting him. He's a great guy and enjoyable to watch race. It's great to see him embrace the kid in him. I hope he never changes as more and more people find out about him being the fastest man on wheels and just an all around fun guy to watch race.
February 28, 2015
Quite an enjoyable and informative book. Some people have said the book reinforces their dislike for Cavendish, I personally think that I like him more now than I did before. His honesty about his own shortcomings is endearing.
All in all an enjoyable book, still not amongst my favourite cyclists but I now have more time and respect for him.
All in all an enjoyable book, still not amongst my favourite cyclists but I now have more time and respect for him.
April 6, 2012
You should all read this book. Along with his clear passion for the sport Cavendish is not afraid to say what he thinks nor wear his heart on his sleeve. I found myself feeling the highs and lows along with him, sympathising and empathising. A great book!
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July 26, 2012Read this book based on what I saw someone write about it. Started out not really liking Cavendish much, but as I read on, I gained a respect for him and his accomplishments. In the end I'd have to say I became a fan. I thought it was a great account of his life and his accomplishments to date.
December 3, 2012
I am impressed that, as far as I can tell, he actually wrote it. Cav is a much better writer than 99.9999% of writers are bike riders. Also, as many reviews have noted, reading this book made me like him more. Sure, he's a bit brash and obnoxious, but he seems like a good guy.
September 19, 2009
Full of insight in the professional cycling circus and the mind of the brilliant sprinter Mark Cavendish.
July 16, 2010
Incredibly life coverage of Cav's first tour, the sprints, the trains, the preparation, the bets, the 1200 watss, awesome!
August 28, 2012
entertaining if you enjoy professional bike racing, but otherwise probably give it a miss
January 13, 2016
BOY RACER by Mark Cavendish was written in 2009 after his initial success in the 2008 Tour De France. While I acknowledged Cavendish’s ability to win racers, the race coverage and his interviews had left me with a dislike of his arrogant attitude. Also his easy-looking sprint wins often took the joy out of watching close competitive races. For me being a fan of Cavendish was like being a Yankee’s fan.
However, the book changed my perspective. The book shows he has worked hard to achieve success and there is a lot more behind the wins than just the last 200 meters. So now I am somewhat of a fan.
The book is very readable and shows how sprinters get through stages of the Tour de France to be able to participate in the few sprint stages. The book also covers Cavendish’s journey to become a professional racer as well as his experiences track racing in the Olympics. He is still young and his cycling career has just started so I look forward to his next book.
However, the book changed my perspective. The book shows he has worked hard to achieve success and there is a lot more behind the wins than just the last 200 meters. So now I am somewhat of a fan.
The book is very readable and shows how sprinters get through stages of the Tour de France to be able to participate in the few sprint stages. The book also covers Cavendish’s journey to become a professional racer as well as his experiences track racing in the Olympics. He is still young and his cycling career has just started so I look forward to his next book.
December 3, 2010
Fantastic. I've been a Cav fan for a long time now and this book just confirmed it. Not only is he Manx which is a big plus in my book (it was fun to know the locations he talks about on the Isle of Man from the Fairy Bridge to Laxey, Douglas, and Castletown) but he can write. My understanding is that this book was not ghost-written--somewhat unusual in the world of autobiography.
As a racing fan, I love the "inside baseball" aspect of pro cycling. Cavendish talks about general pre-race prep and strategy (which probably isn't anything new to my friends who race) but also more specifically about individual stages and the things happening on the road as we watched Versus from our couches. I also learned a bit about track racing, which is something I know nothing about.
Love him or hate him--and in a sport always surrounded by bad news and controversy--this is a book that makes pro bike racing fun again.
As a racing fan, I love the "inside baseball" aspect of pro cycling. Cavendish talks about general pre-race prep and strategy (which probably isn't anything new to my friends who race) but also more specifically about individual stages and the things happening on the road as we watched Versus from our couches. I also learned a bit about track racing, which is something I know nothing about.
Love him or hate him--and in a sport always surrounded by bad news and controversy--this is a book that makes pro bike racing fun again.
January 4, 2015
I always thought Cavendish was a moody, surly guy who was unappreciative of the success that had come his way. After reading this very frank account I haven't completely changed my mind but I think the unappreciative bit's a trifle harsh. he clearly attributes much of his success to the brilliant team he has around him and it's obvious he's worked extremely hard to achieve what he has. Is he surly and moody? Yes, I still think he has that side to him. But I think I understand him better and realise that much of the impression I have is based on post race interviews where a microphone has been thrust in front of him minutes after a frenetic sprint finish.
Mark Cavendish is quite possibly the best road race sprinter ever and this is a compelling read for anybody interested in bike racing. I thoroughly recommend it.
Mark Cavendish is quite possibly the best road race sprinter ever and this is a compelling read for anybody interested in bike racing. I thoroughly recommend it.
January 8, 2012
Simply written with at least typos I felt like this was a bit of a rush job.
Knowing what an awesome 2010 and 2011 year that Cavendish had I was disappointed that the book was written `so long ago'. Maybe another book will emerge later on his career.
I understand that the 2008 success at the Tour de France gave Cavendish the authority to write this book, but it would have been such a better story if it was written this year instead.
Still interesting to read how he views his rise to success and especially how he dealt with those around him who didn't entirely support him or believe in his ability. He makes it look easy on the bike, devastatingly fast in a sprint it is interesting to read how hard it is out there.
Knowing what an awesome 2010 and 2011 year that Cavendish had I was disappointed that the book was written `so long ago'. Maybe another book will emerge later on his career.
I understand that the 2008 success at the Tour de France gave Cavendish the authority to write this book, but it would have been such a better story if it was written this year instead.
Still interesting to read how he views his rise to success and especially how he dealt with those around him who didn't entirely support him or believe in his ability. He makes it look easy on the bike, devastatingly fast in a sprint it is interesting to read how hard it is out there.
August 23, 2012
A really good read which gives an insight into the very confidant Mr Cavendish from the Isle of Man. He wears his heart on his sleeve and pulls no punches when he describes his experiences from his early love of cycling right up to his fantastic Tour de France of 2008 and then the subsequent disappointment of the Olympics in Beijing a month or so later. It's a shame the book is a few years old as it would be nice to read about his subsequent membership of Team Sky, his world championship win and all of the other high points of a fantastic career, but there is some great insight into the world of professional cycling from Cav's point of view. Overall, a highly recommended read which I found difficult to put down.
October 21, 2014
Wish there was a 3 1/2 star option.
I usually don't read this "barely out of nappies" type of autobiography and this is a good example why. While for what it is it is an certainly an enjoyable read there is no real depth to it due to everything being so recent.
I like Mark's writing style. It's like the man - pretty direct and to the point. There are some interesting insights about where he came from and what's it's like to compete at the highest level, but it all could have been so much better if he'd waited 20-30 years to write it... or at least to the end of his professional career!
I usually don't read this "barely out of nappies" type of autobiography and this is a good example why. While for what it is it is an certainly an enjoyable read there is no real depth to it due to everything being so recent.
I like Mark's writing style. It's like the man - pretty direct and to the point. There are some interesting insights about where he came from and what's it's like to compete at the highest level, but it all could have been so much better if he'd waited 20-30 years to write it... or at least to the end of his professional career!
September 15, 2012
Nice book on the early years of the cyclist Mark Cavendish. Combining his early years with 2 weeks in the 2009 Tour De France, you get to know the person that is Mark Cavendish.
Some really nice stories from his past in the UK cycling team as well as his early years as a pro-tour rider.
Written with the kind of sarcasm / cynicism and good sense of humor that the world has got to know him.
Very nice read, deserves a follow up once Cavendish has retired. Mandatory read for each cycling fan.
Some really nice stories from his past in the UK cycling team as well as his early years as a pro-tour rider.
Written with the kind of sarcasm / cynicism and good sense of humor that the world has got to know him.
Very nice read, deserves a follow up once Cavendish has retired. Mandatory read for each cycling fan.
July 12, 2014
An easy and enjoyable read, giving the story of Cavendish's 2008 Tour de France with flashbacks to his career to that point. It's not a great work of literature but it's a good read for anyone interested in the sport of cycling. I agree with another reviewer that the ghost writer has shown deftness of touch in ensuring that Cavendish's personality shines through.
Of course, Cavendish's career has gone on a long way between 2008 and the time I read the book (2013) but I guess we'll get a "part 2" some time. In the mean time, this is worth a read.
Of course, Cavendish's career has gone on a long way between 2008 and the time I read the book (2013) but I guess we'll get a "part 2" some time. In the mean time, this is worth a read.
May 27, 2015
I wouldn't consider myself a cycling fan - I have enjoyed watching the cycling in the Olympics and the very occasional bit of the Tour de France but that's it. What I have seen of Mark Cavendish in interviews, however, was enough to make him seem sufficiently interesting to read his book. I feel I had to give this book 4 stars on the basis that it held my attention enough for me to read most of it in one sitting. I haven't read a sportsperson's autobiography before so I enjoyed the insight into the life. It made me rethink a lot of my preconceptions about life as a professional cyclist.
May 14, 2011
Who would ever have thought that I would become obsessed with the sport of pro-cycling? July 2010 saw me glued to the DVR'd episodes of the Tour de France. That is when I started rooting for Mark Cavendish. I love his emotional passion for the sport. Cavendishs' book, BOY RACER, was an enjoyable read for someone who follows the sport. It really helps you see another side to the TDF as seen through a pro's eyes. I'll be rooting for Cav in 2011!
January 11, 2011
Surprisingly well written for by the Fastest Man on Two Wheels. Given the schedule pro cyclists have I expected this to be ghostwritten and a little dry but Cavendish is passionate about everything he does and it comes through in his account of the 2008 TDF and other races that year. His upbringing is woven into his tale as well. This is a great book for those interested in a behind the scenes look at pro cycling. I found it very motivational about life in general too.
September 18, 2013
Boy Racer is an autobiography of the British (Manx) sprinter Mark Cavendish up until the 2009. The most fascinating parts of the book concerns his relationship with other riders and especially with the high mountain passes that he has to climb in the three grand tours. Mark appears to be just like you would see in his interviews - brash but very thankful and complementary to his teammates. This book is probably just for the hardcore cycling fan - unlike Lance Armstrong's books.
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July 28, 2011Mark Cavendish's autobiography of his cycling career so far. On TV - Tour de France coverage - he appears to be so confident and arrogant, but the book gives a better understanding of his passion for racing, the impossibly hard training, and the whole racing culture. I guess no sports are as glorious as they appear on TV:)
January 2, 2012
Maybe a bit early for an autobiography, but enjoyable anyway. Heart on sleeve account of Cav's entry into professional road cycling, and his emergence as the fastest man on two wheels. He's a bit full of himself, but this seems to be the norm for sprinters. The paperback version has extra content over the hardback.
August 1, 2013
There are two different Mark Cavendishes - the one you see from the media and the one you discover from his book. I was surprised to see, and be reminded, that even the best in the world have doubts, depths and issues, difficulties to overcome. The book, more memoir than autobiography, is funny, gives you insight into procycling and is entertaining to read.
December 11, 2012
Whilst not the biggest cycling fan, its a common subject in my house, and I actually bought the book for my partner before taking it back and devouring it in 4 days. Compulsive reading, it feels as though your flicking through a memory or photo book with Cav, hearing the stories behind snapshots of his life. I think the sequel will be the next pressie for the other half ;-)
January 18, 2011
Have to say I read this in one day. Very interesting insight into the world of pro cycling and into the mind of Cav. Now I have lost the book to my daughter's clutches, to go along with the Cav posters on her wall!!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews