Many thanks to James (aka BlackpoolTower) for the following.
End to End by Paul Jones was published last week and has been attracting excellent reviews. Its topic is the history of the Land’s End to John O’Groats cycling record, from the mad buggers who did it on penny farthings to the inconceivably fast current record holders with their pointy hats and disc wheels.
Far from a straightforward sporting history, this book delves deep into the culture and emotional landscape of cycling. Paul Jones himself did the trip, to interview riders (including Janet Tebbutt who still lives on the route and will sit out in all weathers to alert riders to that easily missed left turn near Bristol) and understand it for himself. What results is unexpectedly moving as well as insightful.
Details via ukbookshop.
Far from a straightforward sporting history, this book delves deep into the culture and emotional landscape of cycling. Paul Jones himself did the trip, to interview riders (including Janet Tebbutt who still lives on the route and will sit out in all weathers to alert riders to that easily missed left turn near Bristol) and understand it for himself. What results is unexpectedly moving as well as insightful.
This book explores the highs and lows of being a self-started team (initially based in student digs) taking on the world, and offers valuable lessons for reverse-engineering any big goal, to find success even when you’re starting with limited resources. As Dan says, “knowledge beats talent”. Out in May.
Details via ukbookshop.
War on Wheels is Justin McCurry’s story of Japanese Keirin (pronounced KAY-rin, dontchaknow?). A sport which, despite now being in the Olympics, has surprising origins. In fact it started as a way for the postwar Japanese government to raise tax money on betting, and to promote cycling as a byproduct. Now it generates billions of dollars in bets and a vast amount of tax. The riders, even the rich ones, have to live in dorms with the windows blacked out and no electronic devices when they’re at race meetings, and rigorous customs and etiquette govern the sport. It’s an insight into blue collar Japan like you’ve never read and a sporting history unlike any other.
Details via ukbookshop.