Book Description
Chris Carmichael has trained many of the world's best cyclists, and now he offers his invaluable training tips, cutting-edge workout programs, and state-of-the-art exercises to help readers find their ultimate ride. In this book, he gives riders of all abilities an insider's guide to getting fitter, faster, and on to the champion's platform.
With photographs and illustrated exercises, The Ultimate Ride helps build a strong foundation for incremental leaps in fitness, times, and techniques. Nutritional advice, goal-setting methods, and mental exercises complement the physical training tips, to make this the only cycling fitness book an enthusiast will ever need.
About the Author
Chris Carmichael is an endurance coach and advisor to Olympic athletes and teams around the world. In 1999, Carmichael was named the U.S. Olympic Committee's Coach of the Year and founded Carmichael Training Systems (CTS) to bring quality coaching to elite athletes and other active people.
Jim Rutberg works at Carmichael Training Systems and is a writer.
The Ultimate Ride: Get Fit, Get Fast, and Start Winning with The World's Top Cycling Coach FROM THE PUBLISHER
Chris Carmichael has trained many of the world's best cyclists, and now he offers you his invaluable training tips, cutting-edge workout programs, and state-of-the-art exercises to help you find your ultimate ride. From weekend warriors to Olympiclevel cyclists, The Ultimate Ride gives riders of all abilities an insider's look at maximizing their workouts and getting fitter, faster, and on the champion's platform. Complete with photographs and illustrated exercises, The Ultimate Ride helps build a strong foundation for incremental leaps in fitness, times, and techniques. Nutritional advice, goal-setting methods, and mental exercises complement the physical training tips, to make this the only cycling fitness book you will ever need.
FROM THE CRITICS
The Wall Street Journal
...the user-friendly principles that work for Tour de France riders work just as well for a recreational athlete... June 27, 2003
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. (July) Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.
Library Journal
The Ultimate Ride is a training manual written by a world-famous cycling coach, while Need for the Bike is a literary love letter to cycling written by a cultural attach /avant-garde writer. Despite their differences, the books beg to be read together: the first offers a comprehensive guide to better riding, the second reminds you of why you choose to ride at all. An Olympic coach and trainer best known for his work with Lance Armstrong, Carmichael shares his expertise with a comprehensive look at the Carmichael Training System (CTS). He offers helpful information on goal setting and nutrition but also includes more technical discussions of training, pathomechanics, and data collection aimed at serious cyclists and trainers. Each element of CTS gets ample discussion offering specifics like intensity, volume, and frequency, and Carmichael does a good job of explaining the rationale behind each strategy. This title will have broad appeal to anyone who wants to "ride like Lance." On the other hand, Fournel's Need for the Bike will appeal not only to serious cyclists but also to aspiring cyclists and anyone who appreciates well-written reminiscences. Fournel, the cultural attach at the French Embassy in Cairo and member of the avant-garde writers' group Oulipo, shows his love of language and cycling in this book of vignettes organized around five broad categories: "The Violent Bike," "Bike Envy," "Need for Air," "Pedaling Within," and "Spinning Circles." Whether he is discussing run-ins with car doors or the childlike wonder of a first bike, Forunel writes with an attention to detail and image that elevates and connects. Both titles are recommended for public libraries and sports/fitness collections.-Mari Flynn, Keystone Coll., La Plume, PA Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.
Art & Photography
Book Info
