Follow Australia's Highest Ranked Cyclist at the Tour de France

Cadel Evans has his sights firmly set on winning the Tour de France and he would be the first Australian to do so.

Physiologically he has the best numbers of any cyclist tested at the Australian Institute of Sport, the organization that is behind Australia's super stars in international sport. He was considered to be potentially one of the world's best; and that's exactly what Cadel has become.

Few noticed him in his first Tour de France when in the last week he was photographed on the final climb of the stage alongside the leaders Lance Armstrong and Ivan Basso. But he was determined to succeed, and that year he finished eighth.

By 2006 he was fifth overall and in 2007 he lost to Alberto Contador by a mere 23 seconds. But who is this dedicated sportsman? And what has been his formula for success? Cadel was first noticed in 1994 when he rode to fifth position in a cross country race. Since his teens he has been a professional cyclist - half his life. He is a competitor who refuses to allow ego to dictate strategy.

He is a competitor who refuses to allow ego to dictate strategy. These days he receives a monthly program that sets out his schedule day-by-day. It outlines in intricate detail the required elements that are to be fulfilled: how many hours, what percentage should be spent at what heart rate, specific cadences and the length of time he should be climbing. Nothing is left to chance. No matter what the weather the regime is followed to the letter.

Close to Flying is the behind the scenes story of the extraordinary dedication and hard work it takes to reach the highest level of elite sport. Cadel gives us a glimpse of the physical and psychological tests that are required to be the best, whilst giving an illuminating and fascinating look at the Tour de France - the teams; the climbs; the politics and the opponents that make it the most renowned cycling race in the world.

Pages: 272

Softcover