Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #190558 in Books
• Published on: 2004-05-31
• Original language: English
• Dimensions: .94" h x 6.14" w x 8.88" l, .84 pounds
• Binding: Paperback
• 336 pages

From Publishers Weekly
Carmichael, Olympic coach and trainer, is probably best known for training cyclist Lance Armstrong, winner of four consecutive Tour de France championships. Here, Carmichael offers a sound approach for serious cyclists wanting to improve their abilities, compete more successfully and train without incurring injuries. The well-organized book begins with Carmichael talking about his background and then explaining the Carmichael Training System (CTS), a pyramid where people first set goals and then work through various stages of training. The chapter on diet will be useful to marathoners as well as cyclists; but the chapter "Tools of Training" on specific bike workouts such as HighSpeedSprints and FoundationMiles will be of interest only to serious cyclists. Illustrations are of Armstrong and other athletes coached by Carmichael, and the writing is clear and persuasive without being excessively inspirational. For example, the author states, "Before you can chase your dreams, you must know exactly what they are and where you are in relation to them. You must also have the courage to make your own rules and not allow yourself to be governed by perceived or imposed limitations." This is a first-rate guide for cyclists who compete or race and should also appeal to professionals who work with athletes such as coaches or physical therapists.
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist
Carmichael, who has coached Tour de France champion Lance Armstrong, has written a book that will enable cyclists-- both novice and expert--to work in tandem with their machines to get the most out of their bikes and themselves. In his program, he stresses the importance of mental preparation, conditioning and training, and nutrition; his language, while simple and direct, does not dumb down. Where it is necessary, the narrative is illustrated with photographs; the chapter entitled "Reinforcing Your Training Program," for example, contains a number of photos showing how to use measuring devices to ensure that a bicycle is ideally fit to its rider. This is an excellent guide to obtaining peak performance in cycling competition, but the wealth of training tips and intelligent discussion of nutrition will be almost as valuable to noncompetitive cyclists and even to other athletes serious about conditioning. David Pitt
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