Racing Tactics for Cyclists

I purchased this book alongside  Bike Racing 101  in order to learn more about racing tactics and racing generally, in prep for my first ever season of road racing.Overall, I found this book to be a great follow-on to that one,as it goes into more detail about specific tactics and overall racing strategy, and I feel it expanded my knowledge base for the season ahead.I found the illustrations to be hit-or-miss. Sometimes, the tactic is clear from the illustration; other times, as clear as mud. It's especially frustrating when the text describes a tactic, and the illustration is nothing more than the backs of several riders with one arrow.Anyway, I still learned a lot, and I recommend this book along with Bike Racing 101 for novice racers or racers who have not had any formal basis in tactics. This is also a good read for anyone who is a casual cyclist but enjoys watching cycle races on TV, especially the Grand Tours on what is now Versus (in the US). Though Phil and Paul do a fine job of talking about what's going on, this book will give you the down-and-dirty about what the peleton and the breakaways are actually doing.All things considered, a good buy for new racers and interested casual riders.

Obviously, you aren't going to be a top tier racer by reading a book, or listening to a lecture, or watching tape. You get there by racing. However, there is utility to understanding the variables so that you can try to execute strategy rather than just learning by error. I suspect for those that have been racing road for a few years, there won't be much in here they have not heard before. That said, there are some good tips in here, especially with the illustrations, to reinforce what you know, and are broken down with more detail and real-world type examples.

it's a perfect start to Racing Tactics

I am an avid cyclist who rides 75+ miles a week but has never raced. I found the book to be very interesting and I am a much more knowledgeable fan after reading the book. When watching the TDF on OLN I can now understand what is going on during a mass sprint at the end of a flat stage. Prior to reading the book it looked more like total chaos. Diagrams are simple, concepts are well explained and the book is very easy to read in general. Given all the simplicity it might be easy to see why the book might not be as valuable for someone with lots of race experience.

For beginners, this is a very helpful book, but always work with an actual coach. You will advance faster, and will develop skills safer with an actual person guiding you. Cycling is a very dynamic and dangerous sport, and therefore learning from a book has obvious limits.

If you are considering a race, or are just a beginner, this book is great. You also should read it if you just want to understand why cycling teams do what they do in one-day races or in Grand Tours. Once you have read this book, pro racing will make a lot more sense and it will be more enjoyable to watch, even if Phil, Paul and Bob are not doing the commentary.

If you are a beginner it is probably a pretty good book. If you have lots of experience and have read other things then you probably won't find many new ideas or concepts. It is mildly entertaining and I guess it just gets you thinking about strategy and reviewing different scenarios. So from that perspective it is ok. Its kind of written haphazardly like ideas went from the brain to the pen as they came up.

As a noob this book breaks it down Barney style. Lots of information to digest and I picked up some good tips. Will re-read once I have a few races under my belt. Recommended.

The book is very interesting and will come in handy when I start racing. Easy to read and understand for a begginner racer.

So kompakt habe ich das noch nirgends gefunden. Vieles dieses Wissens ist in Köpfen im Radsportfeld vorhanden. Das vorher theoretisch aufzuarbeiten, im Kopf durchzuspielen beschleunigt den Lernprozess.Zudem unterhaltsam durch Anekdoten aus seiner eigenen Erfahrung!

Picked it up for my wife. She finds it very useful.Diagrams and explanations are easy to read and full of helpful knowledge.One of the better tactic books I've come across.

Très bon bouquin. Les techniques expliquées sont par contre uniquement applicables dans des groupes bien structurés et comprenant l'intérêt de travailler ensemble.

大学以来英語から遠く離れてしまった自分ですがそれでも図版が多いので内容は分かりやすいです。英語の内容も図版から逆に推測して読み進めました。日本語では類似の書籍がないため、大変面白かったです。できれば邦訳してくれないかしら、と思います。