Hall of Fame: Cycling Books

Here are our favouriete cycling books after reading as many as we can get our hands on. Forged from over the years, we rank our favourite cycling books of characters both cherish and despised.

Whether you're looking for yourself, or for your cycling mad friend or partner, this post has you covered.

Here’s a list of the top 10 cycling books that every enthusiast should consider reading. These selections include gripping autobiographies, investigative journalism, and fascinating insights into the world of professional cycling.

1. Jan Ullrich: The Best There Never Was🔗

by Daniel Friebe

There was only one rider that Lance Armstrong feared during his domination of the tour - and that was Jan Ullrich. Regarded by some as the most talented rider ever, this book looks at his highs, his lows, and looks to dig into the wonderfully colourful character that is Jan Ullrich and the impact and legacy his T-Mobile clad team left on cycling in Germany and around the world.

2. Racing Through the Dark🔗

by David Millar

This autobiography by David Millar, a former professional cyclist, chronicles his journey from rising star to disgraced doper and finally to redemption. It’s a candid and insightful look at the pressures of professional cycling and the personal cost of success.

3. The Secret Race: Inside the Hidden World of the Tour de France🔗

by Tyler Hamilton and Daniel Coyle
Written by former professional cyclist Tyler Hamilton, this book exposes the extensive doping practices in the Tour de France. It’s a compelling and detailed account of how top cyclists, including Hamilton himself, circumvented anti-doping regulations.

4. The Death of Marco Pantani: A Biography🔗

by Matt Rendell

This biography examines the life and tragic death of Marco Pantani, one of the most enigmatic figures in cycling history. Matt Rendell explores Pantani's rise to fame, his battles with addiction, and the circumstances surrounding his mysterious death.

5. The Rider🔗

by Tim Krabbé

A cult classic, "The Rider" is a fictional yet deeply realistic portrayal of a one-day cycling race. Tim Krabbé, a cyclist himself, captures the physical and mental endurance required in road racing, offering readers an intimate look into the mind of a cyclist. Famously given to new Rapha staff as their induction present.

6. Slaying the Badger: Greg LeMond, Bernard Hinault, and the Greatest Tour de France🔗

by Richard Moore

This book delves into the fierce rivalry between Greg LeMond and Bernard Hinault during the 1986 Tour de France. Richard Moore vividly recounts the tension and drama of one of the sport’s most memorable races.

7. Gironimo! Riding the Very Terrible 1914 Tour of Italy🔗

by Tim Moore

Tim Moore humorously chronicles his attempt to recreate the infamous 1914 Giro d’Italia, often considered one of the toughest races in cycling history. This book combines historical insight with lighthearted adventure, making it an entertaining read for cycling fans.

8. Fallen Angel: The Passion of Fausto Coppi🔗

by William Fotheringham

William Fotheringham tells the story of Fausto Coppi, a legendary Italian cyclist who became a national hero but lived a troubled personal life. The book captures Coppi's triumphs and tribulations, highlighting his impact on the sport and Italian society.

9. In Search of Robert Millar 🔗

by Richard Moore

Richard Moore’s biography of Robert Millar, one of Britain’s most successful yet enigmatic cyclists, is a fascinating exploration of the man behind the victories. The book delves into Millar’s career, his abrupt disappearance from the public eye, and the questions that remain about his life.

These books offer a blend of gripping narratives, personal insights, and historical context, making them essential reads for anyone passionate about cycling.

10. Seven Deadly Sins: My Pursuit of Lance Armstrong🔗

by David Walsh

David Walsh, a sports journalist, details his relentless investigation into Lance Armstrong's doping scandal. The book offers an in-depth look at the culture of deception in professional cycling and the moral complexities surrounding it.