A Rough Ride

by Paul Kimmage
A Rough Ride cover
Good Books rating 4.25
Biography and Memoir
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  • ID: 6101
  • Added: 2025-11-01
  • Updated: 2025-11-01
  • ISBN: 9781407030203
  • Publisher: Random House
  • Published: 2012-08-31
  • Reviews: 3

In A Rough Ride, Paul Kimmage offers a brutally honest account of his experiences in the world of professional cycling. He details the intense physical and mental demands of the sport, as well as the pervasive culture of drug use aimed at enhancing performance. Kimmage's narrative shatters the silence surrounding these issues, revealing a side of the sport that is far from glamorous. /n/nThe book is not just a personal memoir but also an investigative expose that challenges the myths and illusions surrounding professional cycling. Kimmage's candid storytelling provides a stark contrast to the public image of the sport, offering readers a glimpse into the harsh realities faced by athletes behind the scenes.

Reviews
The Independent · 2020-05-16
revealing 4.00

The book delves into the dark side of professional cycling, highlighting the author's personal experiences and the harsh realities of the sport. It is a candid and unflinching account that has sparked controversy within the cycling community.

This review discusses how the book is an eye-opening expose of professional cycling, revealing the seedy underbelly of the sport. The author's personal journey and the harsh realities he faced are laid bare, making it a compelling read for anyone interested in the sport. The book has caused quite a stir in the cycling world, with some praising its honesty and others questioning its portrayal of the sport. It's a must-read for those who want to understand the true nature of professional cycling.

Quick quotes

    "Paul Kimmage's book, A Rough Ride, is causing concern in Irish cycling."

    "His awful admission of the needle of a syringe being slipped under the ..."

    "An eye-opening expose of and a heart-breaking lament for professional cycling."

Reddit - r/tourdefrance · 2018-08-26
excellent 4.50

The book is highly recommended for any fan of professional cycling, offering a unique perspective on the sport's seedy side. It is considered one of the best books on the Tour de France.

This review highlights how the book is a must-read for any cycling enthusiast, providing an insider's view of the sport. The author's candid account of his experiences makes it a valuable addition to the literature on professional cycling. The book's portrayal of the seedy side of the sport is both valuable and eye-opening, making it a standout read. It's no surprise that it's often recommended as one of the best books on the Tour de France.

Quick quotes

    "A Rough Ride by Paul Kimmage is an excellent book for any fan of pro cycling, it is the seedy side but valuable."

    "Slaying the badger was a good read. About the 1986 tour and the rivalry between Hinault and LeMond."

    "The same Paul Kimmage that became an Irish Sports Journalist after his racing career and was a thorn in ..."

Penguin Books · 2007-06-07
heart-breaking 4.25

The book is both an eye-opening expose and a heart-breaking lament for professional cycling. It captures the author's boyhood dreams and the harsh realities he encountered in his career.

This review emphasizes how the book is a poignant exploration of the author's journey in professional cycling. It starts with his boyhood dreams and culminates in a harsh reality check, making it a compelling read. The book's honest portrayal of the sport's darker aspects is both eye-opening and heart-breaking, offering a unique perspective on the world of professional cycling. It's a must-read for anyone interested in the sport's history and the personal stories of those who have lived it.

Quick quotes

    "An eye-opening expose of and a heart-breaking lament for professional cycling."

    "Paul Kimmage's boyhood dreams were of cycling glory."

    "The book is both an eye-opening expose and a heart-breaking lament for professional cycling."

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