The Penguin Podcast is back! Listen Now
Rough Ride

Rough Ride

Behind the Wheel with a Pro Cyclist

Summary


An eye-opening expose of and a heart-breaking lament for professional cycling

Paul Kimmage's boyhood dreams were of cycling glory: wearing the yellow jersey, cycling the Tour de France, becoming a national hero. He knew it wouldn't come easy, but he was prepared to put in the graft. The dedication paid off – he finished sixth in the World Championships as an amateur and in 1986, he turned professional.

He soon discovered it wasn't about courage, training hours or how much you wanted to win. It was about gruelling defeats, total exhaustion, and drugs - drugs that would allow you to finish the race and start another day.

Kimmage ultimately left the sport to write this book – profoundly honest and ground-breaking, Rough Ride broke the silence surrounding the issue of drugs in sport, and documents one man’s love for, and struggle with, the complex world of professional cycling.

‘A must read for any cyclist’ Cyclist
WINNER OF WILLIAM HILL SPORTS BOOK OF THE YEAR

Reviews

  • Sent shockwaves through the peloton
    Daniel Friebe, Outdoor Fitness

About the author

Paul Kimmage

Learn More

More from this Author

Sign up to the Penguin Newsletter

For the latest books, recommendations, author interviews and more