The Race: A Novel of Grit, Tactics, and the Tour de France (Paperback)

~ (Author) "Ben Barnes adjusted his position on his Decathlon racing bicycle as he clung to the open window of the Team Banque Federale Peugeot station wagon..." (more)
Key Phrases: maillot jaune, trailing riders, directeur sportif, Banque Fédérale, Coach Bill, Monsieur Robidoux (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review

"A white-knuckle ride ending in triumph, [it] reads like a murder-mystery. Warning: You won't be able to put it down." -- Seattle Magazine

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

"A white-knuckle ride ending in triumph, [it] reads like a murder-mystery. Warning: You won't be able to put it down." -- Seattle Magazine<br /><br />"Good crisp writing. The bike races are breathtaking, and the plot zips along. A hard book to put down." -- Writer's Digest Book Awards<br /><br />... riveting action from the first sentence. You won't need any cycling knowledge... tough to put down. -- SWEAT Magazine, March 2004<br /><br />Best New Voice in Fiction -- 2005 Benjamin Franklin Award Winner<br /><br />I have a big problem with this book. It's impossible to put down. Dave Shields owes me a night's sleep. -- Terry Youmans, American Cycling<br /><br />Man, what a sweet novel! -- Steve Medcroft, Bike.com<br /><br />The author is a master of description. We rated this gripping book five hearts. -- Heartland Reviews, April 2004<br /><br />This book was all too real. I feel like I just completed another Tour de France! --Frankie Andreu, 2 time Olympian and 9 time Tour de France rider

... riveting action from the first sentence. You won't need any cycling knowledge... tough to put down. -- SWEAT Magazine, March 2004

Best New Voice in Fiction -- 2005 Benjamin Franklin Award Winner

I have a big problem with this book. It's impossible to put down. Dave Shields owes me a night's sleep. -- Terry Youmans, American Cycling

Man, what a sweet novel! -- Steve Medcroft, Bike.com

The author is a master of description. We rated this gripping book five hearts. -- Heartland Reviews, April 2004

This book was all too real. I feel like I just completed another Tour de France! -- Frankie Andreu, 2 time Olympian and 9 time Tour de France rider

Product Description

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.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 214 pages
• Publisher: Three Story Press; 2 edition (May 1, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0974849200
• ISBN-13: 978-0974849201
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.5 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (72 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #71,760 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Just in time for your vacation......., May 14, 2004

By	S. moore (Gainesville, GA United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Really excellent! If you like bicycle racing (or don't understand bicycle racing and Lance Armstrong's efforts for a sixth Tour de France win have you interested) I think you'll find this book as money well spent. You may lose some sleep, not get the lawn mowed or the car washed...but you will be glad you took the time to read this insightful story about a young man who makes it all the way from a small town in Utah to the Tour de France. The chapters describing the pain, effort and resolve neccessary to win a mountian stage in the Tour are worth the price of admission.

If you liked The Yellow Jersey by Hurne you'll enjoy this one as well.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wow! Great story and detail and with a message!, January 6, 2005

By	Al Switzer - See all my reviews

I thoroughly enjoyed "The Race". Like most who have commented, once I started reading it I couldn't put it down - had to read on to see what happened next. Mr. Shields has done a good job writing a fictional novel that contains all the "stuff" that you can guess that happens within a pro cycling team, with an international cast and varying degrees of ego. The characters, strategy, flashbacks to Ben's formative years create a good story with fast-paced action AND provide even non-cyclists with some motivation to never to give up. Cyclists and non-cyclists alike can enjoy this book. Bring on the sequel!

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Race, January 3, 2005

By	Brad Mullen (SLC, Utah) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

What an exciting read. Dave took me for the ride of my life with this book. He had me twisting and turning, hitting the brakes, bunny hopping, sweating, swearing, crying and just being down right happy. I couldn't put the darn thing down. Anybody who rides a bike will love this book. His writing style is easy to follow and makes you feel like you are right there. When I finished the book, I wanted more! You will not be dissapointed by this book. Do yourself a big favor, read it.