Inside The Peloton

A terrific account of the life of a professional cyclist -- Paul Kimmage * The Sunday Times * Roche's writing is conversational and fluid. His frankness, passion and competitive nature makes for great copy. He also wears his heart on his Lycra sleeve. Candid and clich-free... entertaining and risqu... Roche is a revelation -- Richard Oakley * The Sunday Times * It's in his relaying of personal struggles that Roche shines, whether they relate to being at the brink of collapse on tour, to frustration with his teammates and coping with the possibility of a loved one dying. But this primarily a book about cycling, an insight into the need to excel that drives sportsmen and women and makes them different from the nine-to-five jobsworth * Irish Independent * A fascinating picture of the life of someone operating in one of the world's most gruelling sports... a compelling read -- Dick O'Brien * Sunday Business Post * Partly because he was the son of Stephen, Nicolas Roche had to fight all the harder to be accepted in his own right in the toughest competitive sport that exists. This book is both that story and his ongoing striving for success, as well as an insight into the sometimes corrupt world of professional cycling. A great read even for those who never watch the Tour -- John Spain * Irish Independent, Books of the Year *

Nicolas Roche was born in 1984 and became a professional cyclist in 2004 with the Cofidis team. After two years with Crdit Agricole, he joined AG2R-La Mondiale in 2009 and was soon the team leader. The Irish national champion in 2009, Roche came an impressive 23rd overall in his debut Tour de France, with second and fourth placed stage finishes, and improved on that yet further in 2010, ending 15th in the General Classification of the Tour de France and 7th in the Vuelta a Espaa. In 2011, he won his first UCI World Tour race in the Tour of Beijing. The son of Stephen Roche, winner of the Tour de France, Giro d'Italia and World Championship in 1987, Nicolas has become one of the top names in world cycling.