Riding With The Rocketmen: One Man's Journey on the Shoulders of Cycling Giants

James Witts, a cycling journalist, attempts to transform himself into a fit and fast frontrunner by training, riding, and eating like the pros in order to conquer a stage of the Tour de France.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 08 June 2023
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

"Humble and very funny" - Ned Boulting
"Essential reading for any Étape rider" - Daniel Friebe, co-host of The Cyclist Podcast
"An Everyman dropped into the world of Supermen... Can this amateur cyclist complete L Étape du Tour?"

Tadej Pogacar boasts a remarkable 7% body fat, Chris Froomes boasts a resting heart rate of 30bpm, and Mark Cavendish reaches sprint speeds of over 50mph. These extraordinary cyclists routinely embark on a grueling 3,500km journey across 21 stages across the majestic Alps and Pyrenees, as if it were a mere routine.

However, amidst this extraordinary realm, there exists a humble figure named James Witts. At 45 years old, he carries the marks of time with fatty deposits nestled on his back, accompanied by a fondness for craft ale. While his cycling endeavors may be modest, his role as a cycling journalist grants him unparalleled access to the world's finest riders and their expert support staff.

Intrigued by the possibility of transforming himself from a back-of-the-pack sportive straggler into a fit-and-fast frontrunner, Witts embarked on a captivating journey. He sought to unravel the secrets of the trade, immersing himself in the training, gear, and nutritional strategies employed by the planet's toughest athletes. With unwavering determination, he committed to adopting the regimes of these extraordinary athletes, aiming to conquer a stage of the prestigious Tour de France.

As he embarked on his training regimen, Witts encountered a myriad of challenges. Would he sacrifice the pleasures of the pub for the stamina-boosting benefits of beetroot juice? Could an altitude mask truly elevate his performance to new heights? And would his ego withstand the scrutiny of a drag-cutting, little-left-to-the-imagination skinsuit?

Through his captivating narrative, Witts takes readers on a journey of self-discovery and transformation. He reveals the tricks of the trade, offering insights into the world of professional cycling that few have ever experienced. With each training session, ride, and meal, he immerses himself in the regimes of the world's elite athletes, seeking to unlock the secrets to their unparalleled success.

Will he find the balance between pub visits and altitude masks? Will he embrace the humility required to wear a skinsuit that leaves little to the imagination? Only time will tell as Witts embarks on this extraordinary adventure, pushing the boundaries of what is possible for an amateur cyclist in the world of professional cycling.

In conclusion, "The Amateur Cyclist's Guide to Conquering L Étape du Tour" is a captivating and warm-hearted tale that showcases the indomitable spirit of human determination. James Witts, a 45-year-old cycling journalist with a penchant for craft ale and modest cycling endeavors, embarks on a journey to transform himself into a fit-and-fast frontrunner. Through his unparalleled access to the world's best riders and their expert support staff, he gains invaluable insights into the training, gear, and nutritional strategies of professional cycling. With unwavering determination, he adopts the regimes of the world's toughest athletes, aiming to conquer a stage of the prestigious Tour de France. Through his entertaining and warm-hearted narrative, Witts takes readers on a journey of self-discovery and transformation, offering insights into the world of professional cycling that few have ever experienced. Will he find the balance between pub visits and altitude masks? Will he embrace the humility required to wear a skinsuit that leaves little to the imagination? Only time will tell as Witts embarks on this extraordinary adventure, pushing the boundaries of what is possible for an amateur cyclist in the world of professional cycling.

Weight: 370g
Dimension: 153 x 234 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781399403504