Reading the Race

Reading the Race Bike Racing from Inside the Peloton

Paperback (17 Oct 2013)

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Publisher's Synopsis

In Reading the Race, race announcer Jamie Smith and veteran road captain Chris Horner team up to deliver a master class in bike racing strategies and tactics. Armed with strategies and tactics learned over thousands of races, cyclists and cycling fans will learn how to read a race--and see how to win it.

Bike racing is called a rolling chess game for a reason. Sure, a high pain threshold and a killer VO2max are helpful. But if you're in it to win it, you need race smarts. Starting breaks, forming alliances, managing a lapped field, setting up a sprint--on every page, Horner and Smith reveal new secrets to faster racing and better results.

Smith and Horner dissect common mistakes, guiding riders with lessons learned from decades of racing experience. Reading the Race reveals the veteran's eye view on:

  • Assembling the best possible team
  • Crafting strategies around the team, course, and rivals
  • Reacting instantly to common scenarios
  • Making deals and combines
  • Breaks, echelons, blocking
  • Pack protocol and etiquette
  • Finishing in the prize money or on the podium
  • Winning the group ride


Whether you're a new racer, an aspiring pro, a team manager, or even a roadside fan, Reading the Race will elevate your cycling IQ for better racing.

About the Publisher

VeloPress

VeloPress

VeloPress is the leading publisher of books about endurance sports. Focused on cycling, triathlon, running, and swimming, VeloPress books help committed athletes achieve their goals of going faster and farther. VeloPress authors are top experts in their fields and their clearly illustrated books help athletes develop the knowledge, fitness, and skills to meet any challenge. VeloPress also celebrates the inspiring athletes and personalities of endurance sports through fascinating, in-depth memoirs and beautifully written and photographed history books.

Book information

ISBN: 9781937715106
Publisher: VeloPress
Imprint: VeloPress
Pub date:
DEWEY: 796.62
DEWEY edition: 23
Language: English
Number of pages: ix, 268
Weight: 536g
Height: 225mm
Width: 181mm
Spine width: 18mm