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

by Dave Shields

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.

Genres: Cycling, Sports, Fiction, Bicycles

214 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 2004

Reviews

[Peter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Despite the melodramatic plot and the irredeemably nasty villains, this novel of a stage of the Tour de France was impossible to put down. Ben Barnes, in his first tour, ends up escaping on a mountain stage in the Massif Central culminating in the Alpe d’Huez climb and, as he rides, the overly dramatic story of his trials and tribulations (and there are plenty) provides a backdrop to those wanting him to fail in his attempt to take the Yellow Jersey. The cycling description is fascinating, fully compensating for the soap opera

[Judge · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book! Was refreshing to read a fictional "cycling" book rather than yet another biography. The ending feels rushed, but it didn't take away from my overall enjoyment. Very quick read too.

[Lexie Evans · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved reading this book! I found it very engaging!

[Jtomassetti · Rating 3 out of 5]

THE RACE by Dave Shields is an entertaining fictional story about the Tour De France. Overall I enjoyed the book in spite of a few flaws. I dislike overly simplified, seemingly stupid villains. The book would have been much better if the villains were much more subtle. Also it was easy to guess a lot of the plot. Nevertheless it was still entertaining and I plan to read the second book THE TOUR.

[Dianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun book and a pretty quick read. Following the real race is more fun but that can only happen during July, so this is a good form of off-season entertainment. The book follows one (fictional) person in particular, so you get to know his inner story, which doesn't happen while following the race at-large.

[Michelegg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Awesome book about the Tour de France. I read it while we watched Lance Armstrong win his 7th Tour, so it was very exciting. It was a gripping book, I couldn't put it down. It inspired me to be more physically fit and ride my bike more often.

[Miriam · Rating 3 out of 5]

A coworkers suggested this book to me saying it was really good. For not knowing much about bike racing I did learn an awful lot. I already respected cyclist, but now I completely do. It was a pretty exciting read and was entertained.

[Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book for those either into cycling or into a good sports book. A quick and easy read, that gives you an inside glimpse into the world of professional cycling.

[Annalise · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read this to support Brandon's cycling and love for the Tour de France. Would be fun to read around Tour time. Gives insight into how the sport works.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Engaging, and easy to read story. It explains a lot about bike racing, but in an interesting way (and I'm not just saying that b/c my husband is a cyclist).

[Ross · Rating 2 out of 5]

See my comments on The Tour

[Sarah Eckert · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cool little book. Not sure if it's real to life (bicycle racers whose reviews are all over the book say it is), but inspirational none-the-less.

[Ralph · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fast paced adventure of a fictional leg of the Tour de France. Couldn't put it down!

[Max · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book. Gives alot of info about what it would be like to be in the tour de france. Also a great story involved.

[Ohenrypacey · Rating 3 out of 5]

***

[Bo Trapnell · Rating 4 out of 5]

While the writing was a little cliche, it's nice to read fiction of the cycling world.