The Call of the Road
A Complete History of Cycle Road Racing
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The Call of the Road
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Narrated by:
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David Thorpe
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By:
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Chris Sidwells
About this listen
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 a España 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.
©2018 Chris Sidwells (P)2018 HarperCollins PublishersListeners also enjoyed...
What listeners say about The Call of the Road
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- L. Soden
- 10-01-19
Probably the best book on cycli g on audible
fascinating insight to the history of pro cycling. Well thought out and flows like a stream. Easily one of if not best cycling books on audible a must for anyone with a passing interest in cycling or bike.
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2 people found this helpful
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story3 out of 5 stars
- Velile Nare
- 18-07-20
wow! what a comprehensive history
i enjoyed bits of this book, but some of rhe detail was not to my interest. i began watching cycling cycling around 2012 and only watched TdF at first but Ive become obsessed with the classics. it was good listen to the history of all the races. wish I could create one in Bulawayo.
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1 person found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Mossy D.
- 31-12-21
The call of the road
Everything, I needed to know, about the sport I’m only new to. But have fallen in love with.
This is must if you love cycling.
The narrator is fantastic
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Mark Tomlinson
- 01-12-21
Excellent book
A detailed and vibrantly written and delivered account of the history of cycling. The author has covered pretty much all aspects of the sport. I believe this would be a good book not just for cycling fans but sports fans in general and maybe even those with an interest in sporting/social history may enjoy many parts of it.
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Overall2 out of 5 stars
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Performance3 out of 5 stars
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Story2 out of 5 stars
- Willy G
- 31-07-21
Not for fans of cycling
Basic info for people who know nothing about road racing. Avoid if you want to listen to a book that might have insight to the peloton.
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