In a digital world where we’re constantly on the go, logged in and overwhelmed with information, it can be hard to find the time to sit back and relax with a good book. That’s why audiobooks are fast growing in popularity.
With platforms like Audible providing a library of audiobooks to download and listen to, it’s easy to plug in your headphones, sit back, rest your eyes and listen to an old comforting classic, or the new bestseller that everyone’s talking about.
Whether you like to listen while trying to unwind in your comfiest chair after work, or while you’re making your way to a meeting or appointment – we’ve put together a list of recommended audiobooks for cyclists.
1. New Year inspiration
Pro Cycling on $10 a Day: From Fat Kid to Euro Pro, Phil Gaimon
This is the bestselling and most highly-reviewed cycling audiobook on Audible, from American racing cyclist Phil Gaimon. If you’re looking for a bit of an inspirational boost after an overindulgent December, this might just be it. Funny but cautionary, Gaimon tells his story of going from a lazy kid on the couch to the turbulent world of professional racing.
2. Women in cycling
Ride the Revolution: The Inside Stories from Women in Cycling, Suze Clemiston
Ladies of Lycra unite and listen to stories about the women who have helped shape cycling throughout history. It starts with Marie Marvingt in the 1908 Tour De France and features contributions from people like Emma O’Reilly, who was one of the people responsible for bringing Lance Armstrong down as part of David Walsh’s investigation.
3. A friendly listen
Mud, Sweat and Gears: Cycling from Land’s End to John O’Groats (Via the Pub), Ellie Bennett
Sometimes it’s comforting to hear funny cycling tales from other ordinary people, just like listening to a friend. Ellie narrates the tale of taking on the challenge of cycling from Land’s End to John O’Groats in the run up to her 50th birthday, while questioning if she’ll ever make it to the finish line.
4. Beach-time listening
Escape in this light-hearted story about Cat McCabe, a reporter who is sent to cover the Tour de France. It’s easy, humorous listening, which is perfect for sunbathing on a Mediterranean beach.
5. Traveller’s tales
The Masked Rider: Cycling in West Africa, Neil Peart
A journey of discovery that explores both the external world and inner mind, Neil’s Peart (the drummer of rock band, Rush) tells his story of a spiritual cycle through West Africa. Along his way through African villages, he is met with colourful characters, clashing cultures and a few disputes.
6. The champ
Triumphs and Turbulence: My Autobiography, Chris Boardman
The hero of British race cycling, this is Chris Boardman’s story of what it took to become an Olympic gold-winning, world-record breaking, Tour De France champion. It’s not an easy story, but it’s an incredibly fascinating one that justifies how much of a behemoth he is in the biz.
7. Leading lady
Hear it straight from the Yorkshire champion’s mouth, as Lizzie narrates along with Kat Sobey. She tells her side of the drugs test story, shares the biggest challenges faced in endurance sports and discusses the sexism tackled in her career. Of course, you hear about all her silver win in Rio, too!
And some more autobiographies from our favourite cyclists…
- The Climb: The Autobiography, Chris Froome
- My Time, Bradley Wiggins
- At Speed, Mark Cavendish
- The World of Cycling According to G, Geraint Thomas
What audiobooks would you recommend? Have you read or listened to any of the recommendations above? We’d love to hear what you think, so let us know in the comments box below.
“Racing Through the Dark” by David Millar – gripping tale. Bought it as an iBook. Was enjoying it so much, half way through I bought the paperback as there are loads of photos in the hard copy which are not in the iBook.
“The Racer” by David Millar. Brilliantly informative and entertaining this is a must read. Based on his long experience as a pro cyclist David is so knowledgeable and explains the spring classics,the Monuments and life on the grand tours. Unputdownable.
Read these two and you’ll understand cycling’s evolution from doping to clean (including TUE’s)
Currently listening to “The Racer” by David Millar. I totally agree that it’s informative and entertaining. And the narrator was a pleasant surprise. Great overall book.
Bicycle Diary’s by David Byrne. DB is a cyclist at heart, using a bike to travel around his home of New York. Since the late 80’s he has taken a folding bike out on tour with him. During down time he has explored the cites he’s stopped at on his Montague folding bike (No I haven’t a clue about this model either)
He talks about the areas he’s discovered and the history, development (and often the decline) of the place. Often choosing to seek out the less popular areas of a town.
The book is narrated by David in his fascinating and quirky style.