Mark Cavendish's "Boy Racer"

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Mark Cavendish's "Boy Racer"

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1j.james
maaliskuu 29, 2011, 6:35 pm

Not a bad book. Here's my short review:

Being a cyclist with chicken legs and slow twitch muscles (actually, no twitch muscles would be a better description), I’ve never really been a big follower of the stage winning sprinters in road racing (I prefer cheering on the Schleck brothers). That being said, watching the 2008 and 2009 Tour De France seasons, you couldn’t help but take notice of Mark Cavendish. He was explosive at the finish line and sometimes abrasive and arrogant in the interviews that followed. Thankfully, Cavendish’s book isn’t one dimensional or entirely narcissistic, and an overall pretty enjoyable read. Don’t get me wrong, this is a book about Cavendish written by Cavendish, but he does a great job letting the reader into the world of the Tour De France.

Cavendish is a man passionate about his sport, and he’s worked incredibly hard (and continues to) at it. He says it himself that he wasn’t born with the natural physique of a great cyclist (he’s considered “heavy” for a grand tour cyclist), yet his success is undeniable. Cavendish’s success seems refreshingly human; the result of hard work and enthusiasm. He isn’t afraid to speak to some of his own shortcomings, and his candor is refreshing. He gives credit to his teammates (every sprinter needs a team to get him through the race), but doesn’t really go into much detail about his relationships with them.

Overall, Cavendish’s book is well written, although scattered and unorganized at times (maybe his editor is more to blame). It’s a fun read, especially if you are interested in the Tour De France.

Thanks, j.james

2reading_fox
maaliskuu 30, 2011, 4:23 am

Boy Racer for the touchstone.

Nice review, thanks. Isn't Cav a bit young to start writing a biograghy?

3j.james
maaliskuu 30, 2011, 3:38 pm

Maybe it's just volume one: the early years.

4andyl
maaliskuu 31, 2011, 4:58 am

Unfortunately it is pretty typical these days too. Many sportsmen have auto-biographies written for them whilst their career is still in progress.

5thorold
maaliskuu 31, 2011, 7:18 am

I had a look at it on Amazon - he doesn't credit a co-author or an "as told to" on the copyright page - maybe he wrote it himself?

6andyl
maaliskuu 31, 2011, 8:28 am

Apparently Daniel Friebe was the ghost-writer for Cavendish.

7jjwilson61
Muokkaaja: maaliskuu 31, 2011, 10:18 am

Ghost-writers don't get credit. And I would think it's much more lucrative to sell an autobiography at the height of one's career than when one is a distant memory.