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Rule #6: Free your mind and your legs will follow. THE VELOMINATI embrace cycling not as a pastime, but as a way of life, as obsessed with style, heritage, authenticity and wisdom as with performance. Rule #9: If you cycle in bad weather, it means you are a badass. Period. THE RULES is their Bible. It is an essential part of every cyclist's arsenal - whether you're grudgingly cycling to work in the rain or gearing up to be the next Bradley Wiggins, Chris Hoy or Victoria Pendleton. Rule #12: The correct number of bikes to own is n+1, where n is the number of bikes currently owned. ISBN 9781444767537 -
Cup Final Day, 1986, and the eyes of the world are on Liverpool and Everton. The two best teams in Europe are about to engage in a gladiatorial battle at Wembley. But this no ordinary cup final. On this warm May day, the future of English football - and a city's reputation - is on the line. A year before this momentous final, Liverpool fans had been involved in the Heysel disaster - a tragedy which cast a long, dark shadow over the sport. With English clubs banned from Continental competition, football reached its lowest point. Set against a backdrop of social and political turmoil and the burgeoning anti-establishment vibe on the streets, Tony Evans's Two Tribes vividly recalls the tumultuous 1985-86 season and the titanic struggle for supremacy between two great Merseyside clubs. Giving voice to players, managers, politicians and musicians, it follows the remarkable twists and turns of an exceptional era. It is also the story of Liverpool's renaissance and Everton's private agony, masked by a show of solidarity and communal spirit on the day, and how a season which began in shame ended in pride. ISBN 9780857503206 -
One of the bestselling Irish sports memoirs of 2018, At All Costs is the story of one of Ireland's most recognisable and polarising figures in his own words. Possessed of an unshakeable work ethic and determination to succeed, Davy Fitzgerald is an All-Ireland winning hurler and manager who has established a reputation as one of the finest hurling talents of his generation. For Davy, however, a man every bit the perfectionist, victory has always come at a cost. In this raw and surprisingly vulnerable account of his life in hurling, Fitzgerald confronts his legacy, his fiery reputation and the most enduring controversies of his career, all the while considering the cost pursuit of victory has taken on himself and those closest to him. 'Davy to the max. Davy is here, in all his complicated glory, never less than interesting, always ready to fight his corner' The Irish Times ISBN 9780717184873 -
Allez Allez Allez is the inside account of Liverpool FC during the Klopp era, including the 2018/19 campaign which saw the club compete in the most gripping Premier League title race in history and become Champions of Europe for the sixth time. Featuring access to management, players and staff, Allez Allez Allez explains how Liverpool have emerged from what Jurgen Klopp described as the "depression" of 2015 to achieve feats that have eluded an entire generation of supporters. Through original research and exclusive interviews, Simon Hughes takes readers into Melwood, the club's training ground, and behind the dressing room door. He takes them to Chapel Street, where the club's business is determined, and to America, where it is owned. He takes them into Anfield, where many of the most important moments are defined, and he takes them on to the pitches of the Premier League and the Champions League, as we revisit how Liverpool stormed their way to the top of the Premier League this season.. 'WE ARE LIVERPOOL - THIS MEANS MORE.' JUERGEN KLOPP ISBN 9780552176774 -
He's back - and this time he's got company. The Secret Footballer has teamed up with one of the most highly respected physios in the game to bring you the stories of a football season through the eyes of someone who has covered over 1000 games in his career and who knows the most intimate details about every player he treats. From the pre-season pressures of a new manager and players who have overindulged on their summer breaks, to witnessing some truly horrific (and sometimes career-ending) injuries; from star players who think nothing of using him as their personal family doctor to revealing some of the more unconventional treatments players choose to experiment with, the physio has truly seen it all. Alongside this privileged glimpse into the physio's world, The Secret Footballer will be telling his own tales of injury, pain and perseverance with his trademark insight and wit. ISBN 9780552174183 -
The long-awaited autobiography of the legendary hurler Henry ShefflinIn an era when Kilkenny established itself as the dominant force in hurling, one man stood out from a remarkable group of players: Henry Shefflin. Now widely regarded as the greatest player of all time, Shefflin has more All-Stars, Hurler of the Year awards and All-Ireland medals than any other hurler. But beneath the surface image of calm efficiency and effortless genius, his hurling life has included its share of bitter disappointments, agonizing injuries and intense rivalries. Now, in what will be an essential read, Shefflin tells his own story. 'The greatest player of this, or perhaps any, generation' Sean Moran, Irish Times ISBN 9780241961711 -
lanterne rouge (French | noun): The competitor who finishes last in the Tour de France Froome, Wiggins, Merckx - we know the winners of the Tour de France, but what about the men who finish last?Lanterne Rouge tells the forgotten, often inspirational and occasionally absurd stories of the last-placed rider. We learn of stage winners and former yellow jerseys who tasted life at the other end of the bunch; the breakaway leader who stopped for a bottle of wine and then took a wrong turn; the doper whose drug cocktail accidently slowed him down and the rider who was recognised as the most combative despite finishing at the back. Flipping the Tour de France on its head and examines what these stories tell us about ourselves, the 99% who don't win the trophy, Lantern Rouge forces us to re-examine the meaning of success, failure and the very nature of sport. 'A lively account of largely forgotten men... It's not easy to come up with an original angle on Le Tour, but with this rear view Leonard has managed the feat in style' Independent on Sunday ISBN 9780224092005 -
'I'd like to be remembered as a player who showed that you can be incredibly professional but also a lot of fun - a bit of a joker in the changing room, but the ultimate competitor on the pitch. That should have been the subtitle of this book, really...' One of rugby's most ferocious flankers and biggest characters, James Haskell has had an extraordinary, global experience of the game, having played for the Wasps, Northampton and England, and in New Zealand, France and Japan. After seventeen years and with 77 international caps under his sizeable belt, he has a shitload to say about rugby life - from pitch to pub and everywhere in between. In What A Flanker, Haskell sheds fresh light on the dynamics and the day-to-day of the game. Whether he's recalling the most brutal team socials; dispelling the myths surrounding New Zealand's dominance; introducing his Japanese teammates to manscaping or calling out play-acting in the modern game, no subject is off limits. Side-splittingly funny and ruthlessly honest, What A Flanker delves into the touring, drinking, training, eating and sometimes unconscionable antics of the professional rugby player. It's an unforgettable read, even if there are some stories you'd rather forget...[Correction: in the author biography and on p.22 of this book, it is stated in error that the House of Rugby podcast is now known as The Good, The Bad and The Rugby. The House of Rugby podcast continues and The Good, The Bad and The Rugby is a separate podcast.] THE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER 'Hilarious, and straight talking but also articulate and insightful - I am just hugely fond of this guy' -Eddie Jones 'James Haskell: what a flanker, what a book'-Rugby World ISBN 9780008403690 -
In horse racing greatness is defined by speed. Being the second fastest counts for little. You have to win. And win. And keep winning until every challenger of your generation is put to the sword. Of the twelve horses lined up on Newmarket Heath that 2011 day, one would do just that. And more. To become the greatest racehorse that has ever lived.Frankel was born on 11 February 2008, with four white socks and a blaze, from impressive equine lines on both his parents' sides. Simon Cooper revisits the whole of the horse's life, giving readers an inside tour of the calm oasis that is life a stud farm, where a foal will live with his mother for the first year of his life. Next, the atmosphere of heady possibility that marks the early days of training. Roadwork. Gallops. Trials. Turning raw potential into something more. Frankel begins to set himself apart.A detailed and fast-paced narrative breathlessly recounts the racing career of the horse who, by his retirement to stud at the age of 4, would be rated the greatest of all time. Cooper weaves the horse's tale with those of his trainer, battling cancer, the stablehands who coped with his explosive nature, the work rider who tamed him, the the jockey who rode in all fourteen of his races, and the owner who saw his potential from the very beginning. The result is a rich and multifaceted tale of modern horse racing, the lives of everyone involved, human and equine, and the unadulterated glory of winning. And winning everything. ISBN 9780008307042 -
Within the staggeringly dangerous and high-pressure sport of professional motorcycling, Jonathan Rea's achievements are unprecedented. A legendary World Superbike Champion withmore race wins than any rider in history, Rea's trailblazing success shows no sign of slowing down. Now, for the first time, this remarkable sportsman tracks his life and career. Seemingly destined for the racing world, Jonathan grew up in the paddocks - his grandfather was the first sponsor of five-times World Champion Joey Dunlop and his dad was a former Isle of Man TT winner. He owned his first bike before his hands were big enough to reach the brakes. But while racing may be in his blood, it is through sheer determination and relentless perseverance that Rea has gained huge victories in this ultra-competitive world. Topping several of the most prestigious motorcycling championships, he rules the sport - so much so that regulations are being introduced to curb his dominance. The fact that Rea has endured several potentially career-ending scrapes - including smashing his femur at the age of seventeen and being told that he would never race again - makes his achievements even more incredible. 'Dream. Believe. Achieve,' is Rea's mantra and in this gripping autobiography, we go behind the visor and into the mind of a man who has risen to the top of one of the most skilled and dangerous sports in the world. 'If I had to lose my record to anyone, I couldn't be happier that it was Jonathan. Family connections aside, there is nobody more talented, more determined or more deserving.' - Carl Fogarty ISBN 9780008305109 -
The handbook that every runner needs on their shelf. Why do I get a headache after a run ?Do runners really need to do strength and conditioning? Will running damage my knees? How can I stop my skin chafing on long runs? How quickly will I lose my fitness if I have to stop running? What's the best diet for a runner? Dr Juliet McGrattan has worked as a family doctor, health journalist and Master Coach for the 261 Fearless global running network. All this experience and passion combines to create this helpful, accessible handbook. Run Well answers these and many other common health questions that runners ask. Packed with practical, realistic and sound advice on topics from head to toe, for all of the running community. ISBN 9781472979674 -
Lenka Janiurek first encounters tragedy with the death of her mother when she is just nine. Involving a chaotic family, early success as a playwright, disastrous relationships, motherhood, and brushes with both extreme wealth and poverty, Janiurek's rich and remarkable memoir is been a search for a kind of freedom, found in the comforting solace of swimming. Haunted by the despair, rage and addiction of men she has known best, she nevertheless explores and celebrates the beauty and pain of living life to the full. Watermarks is a stunning evocation of identity and alienation, and the restorative power of the natural world. ISBN 9780749025069 -
"Every so often a book comes along which captures your heart and enriches your life for having read it. A book which has the ability to make you cry and laugh out loud (on public transport!). A book which introduces you to a new hero and captures the enduring spirit of the human soul. This is the book, this is the story you must read." Ciara ISBN 9780349113463 -
Enda O’Doherty is an extraordinary man with an extraordinary story to share. In I’m Fine! Thoughts on Life, Addiction, Love and Health, co-written with journalist Dermot Keyes, he brings us on a journey from his youth and alcohol-soaked adulthood, through the birth of Enda 2.0 – sober and with a passion for helping others – to his new life as an endurance athlete and inspirational motivational speaker. Over a dozen years into sobriety and revelling in his new life, Enda has undergone a physical and emotional re-awakening as an endurance athlete, which has, incredibly, included carrying a washing machine from Belfast to Waterford in 2015 (covering nine marathon distances in eight days), and hauling his appliance to within a few hours of the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro in 2017, both in aid of charity. I’m Fine! traces the highs and lows of a life fully lived, the debt he owes to his family, how he has positively exploited his addictive personality, and his passion for teaching, while also disclosing his own ‘survival toolkit’ on how to make tomorrow better than today. Fuelled by 29 years as a teacher, and 6 years as a motivational speaker, this deeply personal adventure demonstrates the power of the human spirit along with Enda’s efforts to promote positive mental health. Reflective, entertaining and inspiring, Enda’s story is one worth reading if wringing every drop out of life is on your ‘To Do’ list. Enda O’Doherty is a teacher, endurance athlete and motivational speaker. He is also an advocate for positive mental health and a long-term supporter of mental health charities. ISBN 9781786051059 -
Horses is an A-Z companion to perhaps the most loved of all domesticated animals. The book's entries include a wealth of unexpected, fascinating and serendipitous information, from horse-slang phrases to horses in British pub signs, and from the horse in advertising to the horse as a food item. Themes such as the horse in warfare and the horse in folklore abound. These features add up to a richly satisfying accumulation of information about the horse's role in human culture and society over two millennia. Horses will not only be a helpful reference source and congenial bedside book for those who work with or enjoy horses, but also a satisfying and browsable companion for the inquisitive general reader. ISBN 9780304365395 -
'He's one of the best players I've ever played with. As a forward, I'd say he's the best.' Johnny Sexton. Sean O'Brien does not come from a traditional rugby background. He grew up on a farm in Tullow, far from the rugby hotbeds of Limerick and Cork or the fee-paying schools of Dublin. But as he made his way up through the ranks, it soon became clear that he was a very special player and a very special personality. Now, Sean O'Brien tells the remarkable and unlikely story of his rise to the highest levels of world rugby, and of a decade of success with Leinster, Ireland and the British and Irish Lions ISBN 9781844884599 -
In the autumn of 2010, a little-known New Zealander called Joe Schmidt took over as head coach at Leinster. He had never been in charge of a professional team. After Leinster lost three of their first four games, a prominent Irish rugby pundit speculated that Schmidt had 'lost the dressing room'. Nine years on, Joe Schmidt has stepped down as Ireland coach having achieved success on a scale never before seen in Irish rugby. Two Heineken Cups in three seasons with Leinster. Three Six Nations championships in six seasons with Ireland, including the Grand Slam in 2018. And a host of firsts: the first Irish victory in South Africa; the first Irish defeat of the All Blacks, and then a second; and Ireland's first number 1 world ranking. Along the way, Schmidt became a byword for precision and focus in coaching, remarkable attention to detail and the highest of standards. But who is Joe Schmidt? In Ordinary Joe, Schmidt tells the story of his life and influences: the experiences and management ideas that made him the coach, and the man, that he is today. And his diaries of the 2018 Grand Slam and the 2019 Rugby World Cup provide a brilliantly intimate insight into the stresses and joys of coaching a national team in victory and defeat. From the small towns in New Zealand's North Island where he played barefoot rugby and jostled around the dinner table with seven siblings, to the training grounds and video rooms where he consistently kept his teams a step ahead of the opposition, Ordinary Joe reveals an ordinary man who has helped his teams to achieve extraordinary things. ISBN 9780241981092 -
Eric Cantona arrived at Manchester United in 1992, starting an era of unprecedented success. This book takes a meticulous look at his impact on a sporting and cultural level, at Manchester United and beyond. Numerous interviews, research and in-depth analysis tell the story of the man who fans voted as Manchester United's best ever player. ISBN 9781911613510
