Cycling is more than just turning the pedals; it’s a culture, a lifestyle and for many a lifelong pursuit of performance and adventure. The best cycling books capture that passion, taking you inside the peloton, over mountain passes and on journeys of discovery on and off the bike.
Whether you’re training on the ROUVY app, preparing for your first race or just looking for inspiration, cycling lit has it all. Books can sharpen the mind as much as the body, giving cyclists new perspectives on training, racing, travel and history. Just as ROUVY’s virtual rides take you to legendary roads, the written word takes you into the minds of champions, explorers and storytellers.
Cycling biographies & memoirs
Few things are more compelling for cyclists than biographies that tell the stories of riders at the top of their game.
1. “The Secret Race” by Tyler Hamilton and Daniel Coyle
“The Secret Race” by Tyler Hamilton and Daniel Coyle pulls readers deep inside the hidden world of professional cycling at the height of the doping era. Hamilton recounts his career with unflinching honesty, revealing the physical toll of elite competition and the moral compromises that defined an era, while Coyle shapes it into an unforgettable narrative.
2. “It’s Not About the Bike” by Lance Armstrong and Sally Jenkins
Lance Armstrong’s “It’s Not About the Bike” was once hailed as an inspirational story of surviving cancer and winning the Tour de France. Co-written with the great Sally Jenkins, it remains a testament to resilience and ambition, offering lessons in overcoming adversity – even as later controversies reshaped how readers interpret this complex and influential memoir.
3. “Domestique: The True Life Ups And Downs Of A Tour Pro” by Charly Wegelius
In “Domestique,” Charly Wegelius lifts the curtain on life as a loyal team rider. Rather than tales of podiums, he shares the grind of fetching bottles, protecting leaders, and enduring endless kilometres for the benefit of others, revealing the unglamorous but essential sacrifices that keep pro teams competitive.
4. “The Racer: Life On The Road As A Pro Cyclist” by David Millar
More recently, “The Racer” offers a raw and stylish insider’s perspective on the highs and lows of the peloton. Drawing on his final racing seasons, Millar captures the daily grind, fleeting moments of glory, and the camaraderie that defines professional cycling, while reflecting on his own career.
5. “Merckx: Half Man, Half Bike” by William Fotheringham
Fotheringham’s biography of Eddy Merckx, “Half Man, Half Bike,” explores the sheer dominance of the Belgian great, who racked up 525 victories. Through careful detail and vivid storytelling, it paints Merckx as both a relentless competitor and a complex individual.
6. “Slaying the Badger” by Richard Moore
“Slaying the Badger” revisits the legendary rivalry between Bernard Hinault and Greg LeMond during the 1986 Tour de France. Richard Moore’s narrative blends tension, drama and deep research, showing how loyalty, ambition and raw competitiveness collided in one of cycling’s most unforgettable showdowns.
7. “Flying Scotsman” by Graeme Obree
Graeme Obree’s “The Flying Scotsman” is both eccentric and inspirational. Known for building a world-record-breaking bike from washing machine parts, Obree recounts his triumphs alongside struggles with mental health.
Training & performance books
For riders looking to improve, books about cycling training are a must-have.
8. “The Cyclist’s Training Bible” by Joe Friel
Joe Friel’s “The Cyclist’s Training Bible” is a cornerstone of modern endurance training. It covers everything from periodisation and cycling nutrition to recovery and power-based workouts. Designed for cyclists at every level, it gives readers the tools to structure their training with precision, ensuring steady progress and long-term performance gains.
9. “Training And Racing With A Power Meter” by Andy Coggan & Hunter Allen
Andy Coggan and Hunter Allen’s “Training And Racing With A Power Meter” changed the way athletes measure and develop fitness, introducing the concepts of FTP and power zones that are now standard in training apps and on platforms like ROUVY.
10. “Fast After 50” by Joe Friel
“Fast After 50” speaks directly to masters athletes who want to maintain speed and endurance. Friel offers science-based strategies for training intensity, nutrition and recovery tailored to older riders. This book shows age is no barrier to high performance.
11. “80/20 Triathlon” and “The Endurance Diet” by Matt Fitzgerald
Matt Fitzgerald bridges science and practice in both “80/20 Triathlon” and “The Endurance Diet: Discover The 5 Core Habits Of The World's Greatest Athletes To Look, Feel, And Perform Better.” He champions balanced training intensities and sustainable eating habits used by elite athletes worldwide. Both are accessible-yet-rigorous reads, offering guidance for triathletes and cyclists who want long-term success without burnout.
These training books aren’t just about numbers; they encourage athletes to train with clarity and purpose. They help cyclists understand that performance gains come from a mix of structured workouts, rest and mental toughness. For indoor riders, they can turn long ROUVY rides into stepping stones to real-world fitness and racing success.
Cycling travelogues & adventure books
Beyond competition, some of the best cycling books are those that capture the freedom of travel and exploration on two wheels.
12. “French Revolutions: Cycling The Tour de France” by Tim Moore
Tim Moore’s “French Revolutions: Cycling The Tour de France” is both hilarious and humbling, documenting his attempt to ride the Tour de France route. His wit and self-deprecating humour make it laugh-out-loud funny, while his perseverance highlights just how gruelling the race is – even when taken at a mortal’s pace rather than peloton speed.
13. “Moods of Future Joys: Around the World” & “Thunder and Sunshine” by Alastair Humphreys
In these two volumes, Alastair Humphreys recounts his epic four-year circumnavigation of the globe by bicycle. “Moods of Future Joys: Around the World” and “Thunder and Sunshine: Around The World By Bike” blend cultural encounters, physical challenges and reflections on solitude, capturing the essence of true adventure cycling and inspiring readers to embrace exploration on two wheels.
14. “Three Men on the Bummel” by Jerome K. Jerome
Published in 1900, Jerome K. Jerome’s “Three Men on the Bummel” is a timeless classic of travel comedy. Following three hapless friends pedalling through Germany, it’s full of comic mishaps, witty observations and gentle satire.
15. “The Man Who Cycled the World” by Mark Beaumont
Mark Beaumont’s “The Man Who Cycled the World” is a gripping story of endurance and determination. Beaumont shattered the round-the-world cycling record, covering approximately 29,000 kilometres in 194 days. His account highlights both the logistical challenges and mental resilience required to complete such an astonishing bikepacking adventure.
16. “Full Tilt: Ireland To India With A Bicycle” by Dervla Murphy
“Full Tilt: Ireland To India With A Bicycle” is a pioneering classic by Dervla Murphy, recounting her solo ride from Ireland to India in the ‘60s. Armed with little more than determination and her bike, Murphy faced bandits, extreme climates and cultural encounters with honesty and courage, creating one of the great travelogues in cycling.
Cycling history & culture
For those who love the sport’s heritage, cycling history books are a window into the past.
17. “Le Tour: A History Of The Tour de France” by Geoffrey Wheatcroft
Geoffrey Wheatcroft’s “Le Tour: A History Of The Tour de France” traces the race’s dramatic history from its beginnings to modern times. He captures the scandals, triumphs and cultural resonance of the Tour, showing how the event grew into cycling’s most famous spectacle and a symbol of endurance, controversy and national pride.
18. “Tour de Lance” by Bill Strickland
Bill Strickland’s “Tour de Lance: The Extraordinary Story Of Cycling's Most Controversial Champion” offers a close-up account of Lance Armstrong’s comeback bid at the 2009 Tour de France. Strickland follows Armstrong’s preparation and racing, painting an intimate picture of ambition and rivalry while capturing a controversial period in pro cycling history.
19. “Put Me Back On My Bike: In Search Of Tom Simpson” by William Fotheringham
In “Put Me Back On My Bike,” William Fotheringham revisits the life of Tom Simpson, a brilliant-but-tragic British rider. The book explores Simpson’s meteoric rise, his fatal collapse on Mont Ventoux in 1967 and his enduring place in cycling lore as both a cautionary and heroic figure.
20. “Pedalare! Pedalare!” by John Foot
John Foot’s “Pedalare! Pedalare!” tells the intertwined story of Italian cycling and national identity. Covering the Giro d’Italia and legends such as Coppi and Bartali, it blends sport with politics and culture, showing how cycling became a defining part of 20th-century Italian life.
21. “The Yellow Jersey Club” by Peter Cossins
Peter Cossins’ “The Yellow Jersey Club” profiles the select group of riders who have worn cycling’s most famous garment. Each chapter explores a different winner’s story, from legends to underdogs, offering insights into what it takes to reach the pinnacle of the Tour de France.
Inspirational & motivational reads
Sometimes the best books are not about watts or wins but about the human spirit.
22. “The Road to Valour” by Aili and Andres McConnon
“The Road to Valour: A True Story Of A Tuscan Cyclist And Secret World War II Hero” tells the extraordinary story of Gino Bartali, who not only won the Tour de France twice but also risked his life helping to save Jews during World War II. Aili and Andres McConnon crafted a compelling blend of cycling triumphs and acts of quiet heroism off the bike.
23. “Triumphs and Turbulence” by Chris Boardman
In “Triumphs and Turbulence,” Chris Boardman reflects on a career defined by innovation, from his Olympic gold, to breaking the Hour Record. He charts the highs, lows and ideas that reshaped British cycling, showing how persistence, vision and adaptation can transform both an athlete and a sport. (Incidentally, “Biography Of The Bike: The Ultimate History Of Bike Design,” which Boardman co-wrote with Chris Sidwells, offers an in-depth, illustrated history of bicycle design, from early innovations to today’s superbikes.)
24. “Shut Up, Legs!: My Wild Ride On And Off The Bike” by Jens Voigt
“Shut Up, Legs!: My Wild Ride On And Off The Bike” by Jens Voigt, is a fan favourite for his relentless racing style and upbeat philosophy. The book is as energetic as the man himself. Known for his attacking style and positive spirit, Voigt shares stories from inside the peloton with humour and humility. It’s a feel-good read that captures the grit and fun of a life spent racing bicycles.
25. “Draft Animals: Living The Pro Cycling Dream” by Phil Gaimon
Phil Gaimon’s “Draft Animals: Living The Pro Cycling Dream” offers a witty-yet-sobering account of chasing a pro career. With sharp humour and honesty, he describes the hustle to secure contracts, the financial realities of the sport, and the personal sacrifices behind the dream.
Gravel, MTB & triathlon books
Cycling literature is varied and there are great books for every discipline.
26. “Gravel Cycling: The Complete Guide” by Nick Legan
For gravel grinders and MTB riders, Nick Legan’s “Gravel Cycling: The Complete Guide To Gravel Racing And Adventure Bikepacking” is a practical and cultural deep dive into the fastest-growing part of the sport, covering everything from cycling gear to race prep.
27. “Mastering Mountain Bike Skills” by Brian Lopes & Lee McCormack
For a more discipline-specific MTB book, Brian Lopes and Lee McCormack’s “Mastering Mountain Bike Skills” is the technical bible for anyone who wants to descend faster, corner sharper and ride more confidently.
28. “A Life Without Limits” by Chrissie Wellington
Chrissie Wellington’s memoir, “A Life Without Limits,” charts her rise from a relative unknown to multiple IRONMAN World Champion. Blending training insights with reflections on resilience and mindset, it’s both an inspiring life story and a guide to what it takes to excel in endurance sport.
29. “Finding Ultra” by Rich Roll
Rich Roll’s “Finding Ultra” is a story of transformation. Once an unhealthy, overworked lawyer, Roll reinvented himself through plant-based nutrition and extreme endurance challenges. His journey from low fitness to becoming an ultra-distance triathlete is motivational and relevant for athletes across disciplines seeking change and purpose.
30. “The Brave Athlete: Calm the F*ck Down And Rise To The Occasion” by Simon Marshall & Lesley Paterson
“The Brave Athlete: Calm the F*ck Down And Rise To The Occasion” – by Simon Marshall, sport psychologist, and Lesley Paterson, a three-time XTERRA Triathlon world champion – tackles the psychological side of endurance sport. Marshall and Paterson combine science and humour to address fears, doubts and motivation. The result is a practical, relatable guide for cyclists and triathletes who want to strengthen their mental game alongside their physical training.
How to choose the right cycling books for you
With such a wide array of titles, how do you pick the right one? It depends on what fuels your passion.
If you want to learn from the greats, biographies and memoirs will connect you to the sport’s legends. If performance is your goal, training and performance manuals are essential companions to your workouts. If you crave adventure, travelogues will let you ride vicariously across continents. For those who love context, history and culture books place cycling within a grand narrative of struggle and glory. Indoor riders might find it useful to pair training manuals with ROUVY’s structured workouts, creating a synergy between theory and practice. Meanwhile, gravel-cycling enthusiasts and MTB fans may gravitate toward books that celebrate the technical and exploratory aspects of riding off the beaten path.
Ultimately, the best cycling books are those that speak to your goals and imagination.
Final thoughts & top book recommendations
Cycling books remind us that our sport is as much about stories as it is about speed. They give us heroes to admire, adventures to dream about, and lessons to apply to our own riding. At ROUVY, we believe reading can enhance your time on the bike, helping you keep going with greater knowledge and inspiration.
ROUVY’s top 5 cycling book picks
Here are some of the books that the team at ROUVY HQ keep coming back to – popular favourites that mix training know-how, biographies, and plenty of inspiration for every kind of rider.
“The Cyclist’s Training Bible” by Joe Friel – The definitive guide for structured training.
“The Secret Race: Inside the Hidden World of the Tour de France” by Tyler Hamilton and Daniel Coyle – A gripping and revealing memoir of pro cycling.
“French Revolutions: Cycling The Tour de France” by Tim Moore – A hilarious and inspiring travelogue.
“Le Tour: A History Of The Tour de France” by Geoffrey Wheatcroft – Essential reading for history buffs
“A Life Without Limits” by Chrissie Wellington – An uplifting story for triathletes and endurance athletes.
Pairing these books with your rides on ROUVY creates the perfect balance: Mental fuel from the page and physical challenge on the trainer.
Whether you ride indoors or outdoors, the written word has the power to inspire your next adventure, push you to new performance levels, and deepen your love for cycling.
