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The Rider

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( 7,103 ratings, 598 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Rider by Tim Krabbé follows Dutch cyclist Tim Krabbé as he competes in the grueling 150-kilometre Tour de Mont Aigoual race. Through compelling narration, the book dives deep into the physical and mental challenges of cycling while exploring the sport's intense dedication and camaraderie.
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Format: Paperback / softback

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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might like this book if you enjoy immersive storytelling that captures the intensity and emotional highs and lows of competitive cycling. The author provides a detailed and gripping account of a single race, making you feel every pedal stroke and heartbeat.

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The Rider

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

At the start of the 137-kilometre Tour de Mont Aigoual, Tim Krabbé glances up from his bike to assess the crowd of spectators. "Non-racers," he writes. "The emptiness of those lives shocks me." From the very first page, the reader is plunged into the intense and solitary world of cycle racing where endurance and mental tenacity are the keys to survival and success.

Instantly gripping, we experience every twist and turn of the race through the author's meticulous and vivid descriptions. As Krabbé tackles the unforgiving climbs and fast descents of the French mountains, readers feel the physical and emotional strain that defines the sport. The narrative offers not just a recount of the race, but an exploration into the psychology of athletes, the complexities of competition, and the beauty found in the struggle against imposing landscapes.

Originally published in 1978, The Rider has become a modern-day classic, renowned for its authentic portrayal of the cycling experience and its pioneering narrative style. The brilliance of Krabbé's writing lies in its ability to convey the visceral reality of cycling while delving into philosophical musings about life, effort, and what drives human beings to push their limits.

The Rider is not simply a book about a race; it is a testament to the tribulations and triumphs of all athletes who seek to master a sport. Krabbé's passionate tribute to cycle racing is imaginatively conceived and breathlessly paced, capturing the spirit of competition in a way that no other sports book has achieved. It's a riveting read, best appreciated at the same fast pace with which a cyclist approaches the finale of a race, embodying a love for the sport that is both profound and infectious.

This masterfully crafted work remains deeply relevant and is celebrated as one of the best books ever written about the sport of cycling. For enthusiasts and non-enthusiasts alike, The Rider delivers an unforgettable journey into the heart of a race and the spirit of its riders.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Reviews highlight The Rider by Tim Krabbé as a beautiful and poignant work that captures the excitement and skill of competitive cycling. It convincingly portrays the mixture of emotions athletes experience and is praised for its fast-paced, compelling narrative. Reviewers note its ability to engage both sports enthusiasts and general readers with its portrayal of determination and camaraderie. Its compact, exhilarating style has been described as a high-speed pleasure.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781408881729

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 16 June 2016

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Width: 129.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 124g

Pages: 160

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About the Author

Tim Krabbé is a chess as well as a cycling enthusiast and one of Holland's leading writers. His many books include the noir novels THE VANISHING and THE CAVE. He lives in Amsterdam. Sam Garrett, a former wire-service correspondent, is the translator of THE CAVE, also by Tim Krabbé, THE GATES OF DAMASCUS by Lieve Joris and SILENT EXTRAS by Arnon Grunberg.

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