The Racer

by David Millar

What is it really like to be a racer?What is it like to be swept along at 60kmh in the middle of the pack? What happens to the body during a high-speed chute? What tactics must teams employ to win the day, the jersey, the grand tour? What sacrifices must a cyclist make to reach the highest levels? What is it like on the bus? In the hotels? What camaraderie is built in the confines of a team? What rivalries? How does it feel to be constantly on the road, away from loved ones, tasting one more calorie-counted hotel breakfast? David Millar offers us a unique insight into the mind of a professional cyclist during his last year before retirement. Over the course of a season on the World Tour, Millar puts us in touch with the sights, smells and sounds of the sport. This is a book about youth and age, fresh-faced excitement and hard-earned experience. It is a love letter to cycling

Genres: Cycling, Nonfiction, Biography, Sports, Audiobook, Autobiography

Kindle Edition

First published October 1, 2015

About the author

David Millar is a Scottish road racing cyclist riding for Garmin-Sharp. He has won five stages of the Tour de France, two of the Vuelta a España and one Stage of the Giro d'Italia. He was the British national road champion and the national time trial champion, both in 2007. He is the only British rider to have worn all Tour de France jerseys and one of five to have worn the yellow jersey. He was also the first British rider ever to have worn the leader's jersey in all three Grand Tours. He was banned for two years in 2004 after admitting taking banned performance-enhancing drugs, but four years after his return he won the silver medal at the World Time Trial Championships. In June 2011 he published his autobiography titled Racing Through the Dark, which Richard Williams in The Guardian wrote was "one of the great first-person accounts of sporting experience".

Reviews

[Adrian · Rating 5 out of 5]

David Millar is one of my all-time sporting heroes, and this is his second autobiography. The first detailed his early life as a neo-pro, his rise to be a major British cycling star and then his fall from grace as one of many cyclists who took performance enhancing drugs through the dark times in world professional cycling.
This book focusses on the last year of his professional career. It details the races he participated in, the team and its members through that last year (Garmin) and how he felt about retiring after dedicating his life from a young boy in Hong Kong to cycling.
For anyone interested in the world of pro cycling (and I am, very much so) this is a good read, for anyone interested in British pr cyclists, this is a must read and for any David Millar fan, well, you've already read it I know.
This books gives David's normal honest and forthright take on the races of his last year, from the pain (of accidents and race failures) through to the exhilaration as he finds sudden bursts of form to prove to himself what he has achieved and to help his team to their successes.
All in all a wonderful diary of a year to remember (and I do). To me it was a sad year when he retired, I am just heartened by his continued involvement in both commentating on the sport and working with the governing bodies.

[Stephen Huntley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a far superior book to Millar's autobiography, and is a genuinely fine addition to the growing canon of quality books on riding. There is still plenty of narcissistic navel gazing and ego-laden dross, but there is also some very revealing, well-written and fascinating insights into the professional bike rider's world. And while Millar comes across, once again, as selfish and petulant, he is also self-deprecating, brutally honest, emotional and vulnerable. He is a gifted athlete but I can't help but think he has more of an artist's temperament and sensibilities, a notion supported by his stunning review pieces during this year's Tour de France tv coverage. I also felt this book improved as it went along, and was at its best in the final few chapters. The day-by-day glimpse of the Vuelta from within the peloton was terrific, and the last chapter was moving.

[Lulah · Rating 5 out of 5]

really fascinating and helped me through my post TdF missing David Millar's commentary

[Peter Pereira · Rating 4 out of 5]

All I can say is this. I read this book in 2 sessions. If you love bike racing (or race yourself like I do) you will have a deeper appreciation for what Millar highlights in this book. While it documents his last season as a pro, the chapters are not necessarily completely continuous. There are gaps, but the insight is fantastic. I would argue that this book is just as good as his first book, but with more insight into the actually racing itself. Well worth your money.

[Jane Van · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best insights into the world of professional cycling you will ever read.

[Matt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful. A beautiful man. A beautiful tribute to a beautiful sport. An elegy to the life of professional cyclists, the hopes, dreams, fears, motivations, and the joy and suffering of their art. Miller is one of the greats of his generation, a rider of extraordinary talent and capability, a flawed human, a campaigner with deep authenticity. In “The Racer” he captures the story of his final year as a professional, both as a tribute to his sport, but also an aide-memoir for his two young sons, who will never really know their father as a professional sportsman. He allows us into his world, and it’s a joyous and deeply moving view of what for me is the hardest sport in the world. Of course I’m biased, I love all things cycling, but this book has done so much to help me understand what it’s like in the peloton and to get to know David Miller just a little bit better. Thanks, Dave, you are a true hero. A beautiful man.

[Jim Dennison · Rating 4 out of 5]

The best thing about Millar’s books are their emotion. He’s obviously a sensitive guy and he opens up in these books which makes them compelling to read.

This book isn’t as compelling as his first (‘Racing Through The Darkness’, a you-couldn’t-make-it-up drama which tells of his earlier career, doping, breakdown and fall from grace).

But it’s still a great read and effectively recounts his final season as a veteran and elder statesman of the pro-peloton which was also documented in the excellent Times Trial’ movie. Some good insights into the tactics, emotions, and physical and mental highs and lows of riding a bike race. There is a great blow-by-blow account of the 9-man TT where 4 riders dropped in the first half leaving him, Brad Wiggins and others to go beyond themselves to complete it in 2nd place for example.

This and his other books are better than the others I’ve read by other riders such as Wiggins, Froome, and Cavendish for example. Recommended.

[Mike · Rating 4 out of 5]

A gifted writer as well as a gifted cyclist.

[James O'Carroll · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the book which accounts his final year as a pro inter spliced with stories from the past but don’t feel it is as good as his first book - Racing through the dark. He also grated on me in places, with his excuses and blame on others when things don’t go to plan. At these times he comes across as arrogant and self-righteous painting a picture of the sort of person I don’t like, basically a classic posh kid, with the accompanying sense of entitlement and hearty guffaws as he relates the “epic” night out him and his mates just had.

That said, like his first book he is honest in his accounts of the realisation his powers are diminished, his heart is no longer in it and he is winding down to retirement. It is a fascinating insight into the modern pro peloton (See Paul Kimmage's -Rough Ride for the true harsh reality) and along with some entertaining anecdotes.

He is very articulate in explaining the different aspects of being a pro from a tactical point of view – the pain in a breakaway, crashes, cross winds etc.

Although I've had an interest in cycling for a number of years I am relatively new to following it closely and found it really broadened my understanding of the different areas he covers.

[Chris Wackett · Rating 5 out of 5]

david millar is my absolute hero and this doesn't disappoint . I am an even bigger fan of his now that I have read this book . it was an audible that I listened to on my daily walk . I am so sad to have finished it . I have learnt so much about bike racing from this book and from his commentary during races that I cant wait for the new season to start .
this book was a love letter to cycling just wonderful

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really interesting for me as I followed the TdF in France during all the years David Millar participated. Now a fan of his TV commentaries - so knowledgeable and insightful. I think this book would only be really appreciated by those with an interest in cycling already and I found it fascinating.

[Mike Walsh · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I initially picked up the book in a charity I thought it might be delving into Millar's doping history and how he became an icon of anti-doping for cycling. This book is not that. Instead it's a not too detailed overview of Millar's last year as a pro cyclist. It goes through his training regime, some indidcation of the amount of pain and sacrifice pro cyclsits go through, how races enfold, all the people involved in racing and supporting a race, and reflection on some major points of his own racing career. It's a really engaging book that gives great insight into the world of cycling. I'd highly reccomend to anyone with a passing interest in that world.

Just an aside, I don't often read sport autobiographies, but the last one I read before this was Jenson Button's (F1 driver) autobiography. I found that incredibly boring and nowhere near as exciting as this. Some of Millar's description's of classic or stage races are page turners even though it's summated rather quickly. I think the fact that I found this cycling book more exciting than an F1 world champion's autobiography is some form of a shining endormsment.

[Zachary Kjellberg · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to the 9 hour audiobook for my holiday drives. After watching an hour long interview he did with CyclingTips, I found David Millar to be fascinating due to his diverse background, participating in a dark time for cycling, and becoming a leader to work towards a healthy future for the spoke.

This book is primarily a journal of short notes from his racing career. I did enjoy many of the stories featured, but at times, it can be a little monotonous, though the long holiday drives could impact my judgement. I often found myself a little puzzled, trying to remember the context of the race, what the impact was, and what the goals were. Its definitely a book for people with familiarity with racing, otherwise it can be hard to understand and appreciate.

While listening to the book, I watched his film, Time Trial (available on Amazon Prime), which was rated poorly, but I found the film wonderful as I had his thoughts from the book to provide context into his frustrations.

[Peter · Rating 3 out of 5]

Brutally honest writing about how tough life as a pro-cyclist is and how highly strung some of these riders are. "Dave Dishes Out the Dirt" would be a good title but these things needed saying. I am puzzled by the amount of swearing. There are more f___s in this book than there are in a porno novel. I always had Miller clocked as intelligent and articulate, so why all the swearing? I hope Miller has found peace away from racing as much as I hope the profession peloton is now mostly drug free. No more fallen idols and this book gives a good insight in how is was and how it is now.

[Ivor Kovic · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not many pro cyclist have the same vast experience in the peloton as David Millar. Only a few have his charisma and quirky personally. And almost none are able to recount their experiences with such honesty and style. David has produced a very entertaining, funny and engaging book. Many valuable lessons and pearls available to those involved in racing. But also a pure joy to read for anyone who loves cycling or sports in general.

[Lydia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not a techie cycling person (just a fan) but this was a fascinating, exciting and fun read. Millar is so open and engaging (and at times self-deprecating). I loved the little personal touches of the postcards to his sons and the photos dotted throughout the book.
It's also brilliantly written, with humour. You feel like you're on the team bus, in the hotel and out on the road with the riders. He certainly has a way with words!

[Chris Howland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a well written book about David Millar's final year as a pro bike rider. By turns, poignant, serious, funny and sad, you can't help but sympathise with the man. Surprisingly articulate in his prose, you are left wondering what the next chapter of his life holds and whether you will ever be able to read about it.

Great story - loved it.

[Anthony Frobisher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blood, guts, glory, failure and triumph. Pro cycling is a world where success is borne of hard work, determination, team work, talent, a willingness to sacrifice and suffer and a good slice of luck.
David Millar's experienced and seen the lot. An excellent insight into the world of cycling we seldom see on the television.

[Rauno Villberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Millar comes off as a bit of a diva (to be fair, every top athlete in a sport like this kind of has to be, I think) but overall this is a well-written and quick read, of a previously-at-the-very-top cyclist who is now struggling and, having to dig deep, often finding himself now unable to do so.
The moments where he finds out what he most appreciates now are very heartwarming.

[John Mccormick · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fascinating quality read, a behind the scenes look at the life of a professional cyclist, following him in his final year on the road. Insightful at times poignant but always interesting.
Recommended

[Alex Breck · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not my usual book genre but I do love road biking and was fortunate enough to attend the Tour this year consequently I enjoyed this a lot. Not a literary masterpiece but an incredible insider perspective into the world of professional racing.

[Matthias · Rating 4 out of 5]

David Millar again provides a wonderful look into the professional cycling peloton! Although sometimes a little bit all over the place in terms of jumping back and forth in time, it's a must read for every cycling fan

[Jeremy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really interesting and illuminating account of life as a professional cyclist, concentrating on the final year. Miller is insightful and interesting, and he writes really well. He is also very funny at times. Thoroughly enjoyable.

[Maxine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting to read about the various cycle races. More interesting to read what it is like being on the road going from stage to stage, eat, sleep, cycle repeat. Such a disciplined sport and so easily spoiled by injuries etc.

[Paul Barton · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a companion book to the author's other work and dovetails nicely with it. In this one David recounts his final year on the pro tour and only hints at his previous fall from grace. A great insight into the dedication and incredible fitness requirement to race bikes for a living.

[Kjell Ljøstad · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brutalt ærlig og veldig interessant biografi fra en doptatt syklist.

[David P · Rating 3 out of 5]

A decent insight into the life of a professional cyclist, but not much that will surprise seasoned fans and Millar can often be a little too self-absorbed.

[Josh Bax · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emotional, visceral and left me with a lump in my throat at the end.

[Rory Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

A bit pretentious at bits, but the present tense section about the Champs has really stuck with me. I really loved this book.

[Andy Mann · Rating 5 out of 5]

David Millar was always 5 stars!