Training for Cycling [Paperback]

D. Phinney (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 30, 1992

With more than 30 combined years of experience in competitive cycling, Phinney and Carpenter have written an insightful and informative training handbook for cyclists of all abilities. It teaches cyclists everything they need to know to improve handling skills, raise confidence, and increase competitiveness. 50 photographs.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

If you want to learn how to reach peak cycling performance, listen carefully to Davis Phinney and Connie Carpenter. Phinney, a two-time Tour de France stage winner, was named the winningest racer in U.S. history by VeloNews, and Connie Carpenter, an Olympic gold medalist, is no slouch either. Together they have compiled a comprehensive guide to cycling that will not disappoint. Chapters include specific instructions for everything from basic training to cycling nutrition to the nitty-gritty of racing tactics. The guide is written in the first person, and because it is authored by two people, this can sometimes lead to confusion. But when milking the gurus for knowledge, a little confusion will seem well worth it.

From Library Journal

This is not the book for those seeking to develop a cycling program in order to get or stay in shape. Rather, it is for serious cyclists training for competition. Phinney and Carpenter, both Olympic medalists, employ their experience and knowledge of cycling competitions. They offer advice on selecting the right bike for racing, training regimens, what to expect when competing in a race, and maximizing performance. The first third of this book is a bibliography of the authors' racing careers. The remainder provides information of a technical nature, more so than the general reader needs. Recommended only for collections serving serious cyclists.
- Susan L. Patton, Tennessee Valley Authority, Knoxville
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Perigee Trade (March 30, 1992)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0399517316
• ISBN-13: 978-0399517310
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 5.9 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #686,026 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Davis Phinney is a former professional cyclist and TV commentator. He was forty years old in 2000 when he was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease.

Davis Phinney's extraordinary racing palmares include an Olympic bronze medal (1984 Team Time Trial) and two stage wins in the Tour de France (1986 and 1987) as part of the pioneering 7-Eleven pro team.. He is a multi-US National Champion and with over 300 wins to his credit, he is known as the winningest bike racer in US history. Off the bike, Davis' expertise was a highly sought after TV commentator until his diagnosis with PD. He lives in Boulder with his wife, the 1984 Olympic Champion Connie Carpenter and together they have run Bike Camps since 1986. They have two children, Taylor and Kelsey. Taylor is a 2008 Olympian, five time World Champion and current USA Pro Champion in the Time Trial.

The Davis Phinney Foundation was created to improve the quality of life for people with Parkinson's Disease, please visit davisphinneyfoundation.org to see the great work of the DPF.

This book was born from the desire to illuminate Phinney's tribe - individuals with Parkinson's Disease - about his life. Additionally, Davis is known as a gifted story-teller. PD takes - and rarely gives back to afflicted - to the tribe. One of the things it has has taken from Davis is his 'voice' - the ability to embellish a story with sound effects and detail - once so natural, is now much more difficult. The Happiness of Pursuit ensures that these stories will not be lost.

Happiness of Pursuit is also a rich tale of fathers and sons - of three generations of Phinneys. The title of the book is a play on the name of the cycling event - the Pursuit - in which Taylor is a two time world champion. Ultimately, it's an upbeat inspirational story of one man's journey - his pursuit of happiness - while living with a chronic and often debilitating illness.

Happiness is contagious. Spread the word.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This book gave insights and time saving experiene!, March 18, 1999

By 

[e-mail] (Plano, TX) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Training for Cycling (Paperback)

I enjoyed this book's insights into the world of Pro and Amerature bicycle racing. This book is wonderful for someone who wants to improve their cycling beyond just riding. Connie and Davis share their numerous facinating experiences that can save you valuable time by not having to learn them the hard way. I especially enjoyed the chapter on junior racing, because I am one.

4.0 out of 5 stars Good Training Manual, April 24, 2011

By 

B. K. Whittaker (Kensington, MD United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Training for Cycling (Paperback)

I am new to road cycling, and this book provides a good set of training plans for me. It would also be useful for a more advanced cyclist. Also, I like that the writers go back to basics, such as form, etc. A lot of people assume that they just get on a bike and ride, but as a runner who has had injuries in the past, form is very critical even in a simple sport.

The writing can be a little dry and clinical. I would have like to seen a little more info on common cycling injuries and how to handle. If you have ever read The Complete Idiot's Guide for Jogging and Running, Bill Rodgers does a great job in explaining common injuries to that sport and which ones are safe to contine training through, when to rest, how to take care of simple injuries, and when to see a doctor.

Also, if you are looking at new equipment, this book provides some timeless principles in selecting frame (geomoetry), components, etc. However, you will probably want something more up-to-date if you are looking for assistance with the latest products. This book was written in 1992.