Mark Cavendish

I like Mark Cavendish and really enjoyed reading this. It's nice and refreshing to have a cyclist who doesn't dope and enjoys bikes more than 'cycling.' He's someone who isn't all about winning. He wears his heart on his sleeve and doesn't seem to be ashamed about it.

In 2009 I got to meet Mark at the Tour of Missouri and have liked him even more since meeting him. He's a great guy and enjoyable to watch race. It's great to see him embrace the kid in him. I hope he never changes as more and more people find out about him being the fastest man on wheels and just an all around fun guy to watch race.… (meer)

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.… (meer)