Boy Racer: My Journey to Tour de France Record-Breaker Paperback – June 1, 2010

I had admired Mark Cavindish's achievements before reading this book, but thanks to the media, I also looked at him with a smirk, believing him to be immature, self-centered, etc. I must say, however, during this year's (2011) Tour de France, I had begun to change my mind. This book simply completed the transformation. I believe him to be sincere and honest. I admire him for his attitudes about drugs and cycling. We need more like him. As for his emotional outbursts, it's part of his charm, and so entertaining. :-)The book is well written and gripping at times. I've watched many of the races he described, and still found myself sitting on the edge of the seat while reading about them in this book. It's well worth the effort for anyone who enjoys professional cycling, and even for those who know little about it. I heartily recommend this as a book club suggestion. If nothing else, it'll open people's eyes to what goes on during some of the world's most popular bicycle races.

Being a cycling fanatic and huge Mark Cavendish fan, I couldn't wait to read this. I'll admit I'm not a book worm but going on a cruise with my wife I thought it would be a good read during down time. How good is the book? Phenomenal! I had a hard time putting it down and my wife even laughed at me as she had never seen me with my nose in a book so much. The book takes you through the life of Cav, from his early years and how he got started to Tour De France superhero. I can't say enough. If you're a cycling fan you should definitely pick this book up. When I got home from the cruise I was hanging out with my cycling friends and spoke so highly of the story they couldn't wait to get their hands on it (and have loved the read). Order this now!

I Cycle as a way of maintaining some form of daily exercise. So when I found a book about a young man who wrote of his journey into the inner realm of professional cycling and his experience in the Tour De France I was intrigued. The book tells a very candid story of Mark Canvendish's journey into the elite world of professional cycling. Of what it takes to get to that level and more inportantly, what it takes to stay there. It is a story of personal sacrifice and just plain hard work. Of working through pain and injury when all your body does is scream stop! Of going beyond what you think is possible and proving all the nay-sayers wrong. This book strips away the glamour of what the average Joe sees while watching the tour on TV and tells it like it is. If you enjoy cycling or are just interested in the daily grinds of a professional athelete, I believe you will enjoy this book.

Mark Cavendish, one of today's greatest young sports prodigies at just 24, tells his coming of age story in a speed-readingly riveting style. His battles with his opponents, coaches and, most of all himself in a voice very much his own. The story is cleverly weaved through each chapter - which begins with his story of each stage of the 2008 Tour De France and then shifts to a relevant part of his efforts to take himself from youth on the tiny isle of Man to the top of a sport in less than ten years.It might seem absurd for a 24 year old to write an autobiography - but when you read it, you realize that the immediacy and freshness of the experiences make this almost a sportscasting style of biography with a rawness that is not possible if written through the lens of someone at the end of their career.It's a deeply personal story of massive ups and downs - of Cavendish's inner battles with his own volatility and learning how to channel his often dysfunctional almost manic / depressive energy in ways that could be useful. From winning a world championship to sitting alone in a room eating endless bags of chips to joining a pro team to losing when he was expected to win, to his scally(wagish) pranks on his team-mates to their punishment with hours riding.Cavendish is, of course, the brash hero - but he is self deprecating and appreciative of the people that brought him to where he is. Those that didn't help, of course, get a bit of a Manx-style smack-down.Hats off / chapeau, Mr. Cavendish - you can write nearly as well as you ride.

The positive reviews are true, folks. This was a great read. Not very often nowadays that you read a book from a celebrity that is a) so well written and b) so honest. Cav is very open about his life, and honest about behind-the-scenes in pro cycling. To really understand why cycling is a team sport, read this book. If you're not a Cav fan now, you'll at least understand and respect the guy after reading it.

An open and honest account of Marks journey but not to point of embarrassing detail. Really enjoyed this and before reading I picked him as a bricklayer if not a champion cyclist.... It is great read and exposes a great mind that in combination with a refusal to give up might just be his secret to success

OH MY GOD!!! What a BIG BABY!!! I want my Money Back!!!! What a mistake. I only finished it due to my damn Scottish stubborn streak.If you want to get inside the head of spoiled 23 year old who has tasted a lot of success in spite of his Insufferable personality....then get this book! I haven't spent this much of my personal time with a Jackass since that trip to the Grand Canyon.This guy makes me want to sell my bike. The only redeeming quality to this punk is his long time girlfriend. Oh Wait!!! Just like you would expect SPOILER ALERT he dumps her right before they are supposed to get married. The ghost writer on this if there was one should go back to writing for Parade Magazine. If he wrote it I am sure he would blame any bad parts on someone else.This guy is still wearing a diaper near as I can tell.

Excellent read! Takes you through some of his life (race by race). The ups and downs of professional bike racing.

This is a fun read and Cavendish is pretty honest!