Why would someone ride up mountains using nothing but their own muscle power – with slim chances of success and through excruciating pain? And why would they get back on their bike the very next day and do it all over again? What is the secret behind a sport that combines immense sacrifice with unparalleled joy? Rick Zabel knows the answer.
As the son of a successful sprinter, Zabel became a professional cyclist himself, competing in all the major races – with far fewer victories, but with the same dedication and passion. He has experienced the grind of working for team success, as well as the deep satisfaction of being paid to do what he loves.
Zabel has encountered both the dark side of road cycling – pressure, doping, and competition – and its sunny side: On the Road he has seen some of the most beautiful places in the world, conquered Europe’s highest mountain passes solo, and relished the cool breeze and breathtaking views on the way down.
He writes about these experiences with relish and vivid detail – so much so that you’ll immediately want to hop on a bike yourself.
