The Race: A Novel of Grit, Tactics, and the Tour de France - Softcover

"This book gave me chills!...evokÝes¨ emotions I last felt while competing in the Tour de France." --Marty Jemison, U.S. pro cycling champion

"This book gave me chills!...evok[es] emotions I last felt while competing in the Tour de France." Marty Jemison, U.S. pro cycling champion"

"Entertaining and inspirational. I couldn't put it down!" George Hincapie, stage winner, Tour de France Pla-d' Adet"

"A good knowledge of cycling and the book reads easily as excitement builds. I was impressed." Chris Carmichael, coach to Lance Armstrong"

"Dave Shields brings the Tour alive in this exciting novel." Procycling Magazine"

"Made me wonder what attitudes I have that are holding me back from my peak ability levels." Aron Ralston, author, Between a Rock and a Hard Place"

"Fast paced...I would recommend it to the teenage male who doesn't like to read: The Race might change his mind." BookTalk"

"In reading this book, I found my heart racing with excitement and my throat constricted with emotion." Pedal Pushers"

"Good crisp writing. The bike races are breathtaking...the plot zips along. A hard book to put down...well done." Writer's Digest Book Awards, May 2005"

The white-knuckle pace of a bicycle race drives this novel about a young American's opportunity to compete in the Tour de France. Complex relationships with teammates, personal and professional obstacles, and a terrible disaster cause the young cyclist to redefine his limits. An insider's perspective on the world of professional bicycle racing reveals that the required tactics and skills create a culture in which pain is the ultimate currency and endurance is the most powerful force. The intense pressure the competitors experience offers an instructive look at personal formation beyond the sports world.