What do you think?
Rate this book
The Race of Truth: A Record-Breaking Bike Ride Across Europe
SHORTLISTED FOR THE SPORTS BOOK AWARDS 2024 - CYCLING BOOK OF THE YEAR
Being the fastest cyclist in the world at the start line means nothing if your mind isn't strong enough to get you to the finish line
In 2018, Leigh Timmis became the fastest person to cycle across Europe - in just 16 days, 10 hours and 45 minutes - breaking the previous world record by an astonishing 8 days and 17 hours. But when he set out to break the record, Leigh wasn't just trying to conquer the road.
As he prepared his body for this ultra-endurance world record attempt, Leigh realized that he would have to confront deeper problems to make it to the finish line. Although test results showed that he already had the physical ability of an elite athlete, something was holding him his troubled mind.
With the support of psychologists and sports science experts, Leigh confronted the past that had left him with vulnerabilities he would need to understand and overcome in the pursuit of performance. Then, cycling for 14 hours a day, from the west coast of Portugal to the edge of Siberia, he embarked on far more than just a physical journey.
The Race of Truth is the remarkable true story of personal transformation against the clock, and the astonishing feats we can accomplish when we face up to our deepest fears.
Being the fastest cyclist in the world at the start line means nothing if your mind isn't strong enough to get you to the finish line
In 2018, Leigh Timmis became the fastest person to cycle across Europe - in just 16 days, 10 hours and 45 minutes - breaking the previous world record by an astonishing 8 days and 17 hours. But when he set out to break the record, Leigh wasn't just trying to conquer the road.
As he prepared his body for this ultra-endurance world record attempt, Leigh realized that he would have to confront deeper problems to make it to the finish line. Although test results showed that he already had the physical ability of an elite athlete, something was holding him his troubled mind.
With the support of psychologists and sports science experts, Leigh confronted the past that had left him with vulnerabilities he would need to understand and overcome in the pursuit of performance. Then, cycling for 14 hours a day, from the west coast of Portugal to the edge of Siberia, he embarked on far more than just a physical journey.
The Race of Truth is the remarkable true story of personal transformation against the clock, and the astonishing feats we can accomplish when we face up to our deepest fears.
- GenresCycling
370 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 13, 2023
4 people are currently reading
26 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
July 25, 2023
This is not my usual kind of read but I am trying to be more open about reading books outside my comfort zone. I highly recommend reading this book, as a true story it shows what we can overcome our fears if we just put our minds to it. Leigh is the fastest cyclist in the world, and what he has achieved is truly inspirational and inspiring. This book is about how he trained for the world record attempt, he knew his body could cope with it all but could his mind. He works with a couple of experts to find a way to deal with what is going on in his head and how to achieve his goal. It is a book that I never thought I would read but I am so glad I have as it has inspired me to get out there on my bike. It covers quite a few topics but even if your not a cyclist, just give it a read, I loved it.
December 6, 2023
Gripping from start to finish, this book is amazing and has a balance of mental health and physical fitness motivations throughout. The scientific approach towards Leigh’s world record is truly fascinating and one can resonate with so many themes spread across the entire book. Consistently dealing with negative thoughts while travelling from the West Coast of Portugal to Russia is a task few in the world could deal with and Leigh talks brilliantly about he approached these challenges during the world record. Not only a book for sports enthusiasts but also anyone looking to learn how to overcome difficult periods in life and get the best out of yourself on a daily basis!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 26, 2023
This book was not what I expected and was also much better than I expected. Leigh Timmis explores with frankness the psychology of undertaking an ultra endurance challenge and the personal impact it had on him
I found it enthralling, engaging and learnt so much that was useful. I would thoroughly recommend this to anyone contemplating or active in ultra events and to anyone interested in learning great techniques for dealing with stress, emotions and life’s challenges.
I found it enthralling, engaging and learnt so much that was useful. I would thoroughly recommend this to anyone contemplating or active in ultra events and to anyone interested in learning great techniques for dealing with stress, emotions and life’s challenges.
July 7, 2024
This would be a great book for the right person, but I just don’t think I’m the intended audience. I got this book for free, so thought I’d give it a shot. It was interesting at parts (especially the psychological preparation for it), but I just didn’t feel enthusiasm to pick it up and read it. The writing style just didn’t draw me in enough. However, if you enjoy cycling, you may like this!
September 19, 2025
Great recount of Leigh’s successful attempt for the Guinness Record.
Brilliant book for psychology sport fans
Brilliant book for psychology sport fans
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews