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annettebooksofhopeanddreams's review
3.0
When I was 17 we had to start reading English books for school. And well, English wasn't exactly my strongest suit. I struggled with the grammar, with the vocabulary and well, with everything. Luckily we were allowed to pick books we actually wanted to read and therefore I was at the time quite happy with this book. Lance Armstrong was my teenage hero (mind you: I already wrote papers on doping and didn't believe him to be a saint) and reading this book felt like spending some time with him. However, my English has improved and now I wanted to read the book again.
And one thing stands out: The writing of this book is quite messy. Barry has some sort of structure, but quite often he loses himself in anekdotes and details that have actually nothing to do with the overall story. In a way it's endearing that he really wants to tell us so many small things about the places he visits, the people he works with and adventures he had when he was just a little kid, but it sometimes makes the main storyline hard to follow.
On top of that the emotion behind the race and the people doesn't really come across. I think his writing style is perfect for blogs on websites and for columns in newspapers, giving a little insight in the world of cycling, but maybe it's less suited for a book. It never really feels like these guys really show themselves. Almost all Barry's stories are positive and he glosses over all the negative feelings. And therefore the emotions never really feel real.
However, I do understand why I enjoyed this book when I was younger and in a way I really did enjoy it again now. It feels a little like reliving the 2004 cycling season and it contains a lot of information concerning tactics, gear, team spirit and how races are planned and strategized and what makes those strategies work or fail. And it's also quite clear that Barry loved his job and his time with this team, because even though the emotions don't come across, his passion for cycling does.
And one thing stands out: The writing of this book is quite messy. Barry has some sort of structure, but quite often he loses himself in anekdotes and details that have actually nothing to do with the overall story. In a way it's endearing that he really wants to tell us so many small things about the places he visits, the people he works with and adventures he had when he was just a little kid, but it sometimes makes the main storyline hard to follow.
On top of that the emotion behind the race and the people doesn't really come across. I think his writing style is perfect for blogs on websites and for columns in newspapers, giving a little insight in the world of cycling, but maybe it's less suited for a book. It never really feels like these guys really show themselves. Almost all Barry's stories are positive and he glosses over all the negative feelings. And therefore the emotions never really feel real.
However, I do understand why I enjoyed this book when I was younger and in a way I really did enjoy it again now. It feels a little like reliving the 2004 cycling season and it contains a lot of information concerning tactics, gear, team spirit and how races are planned and strategized and what makes those strategies work or fail. And it's also quite clear that Barry loved his job and his time with this team, because even though the emotions don't come across, his passion for cycling does.
ptothelo's review
3.0
Fun behind the scenes look at what it's like to be a professional cyclist. Even though he wasn't on the tour team, he still tells fun stories and gives great insights about the tour.
michaelnlibrarian's review
2.0
No one who isn't quite interested in professional cycle racing would want to read this - and the rather pollyanna description of the US Postal Team's 2004 season is only mildly interesting as described here in any event. For all intents and purposes this is an authorized description of the team's season - nothing even vaguely controversial is said about anything or anyone.
Barry didn't ride in the Tour de France that season (or any other, I guess) so there are no special insights to that. Barry's relationship with Armstrong was not close - something like what one would have with a boss's boss.
Given all the problems with various riders on the Postal Team and doping being discussed now, the (very) few mentions of doping emphasize the controlled nature of what he wrote. (There is a history for authors of books etc that talk about this being shunned, so it isn't surprising.)
Other memoirs of cycle racers who were not stars on their teams describe the times they thought they made some great contribution in some detail and with obvious pride, making it clear how second tier riders are motivated. Barry talks about contributing to the team in a more general way. Odd.
Barry didn't ride in the Tour de France that season (or any other, I guess) so there are no special insights to that. Barry's relationship with Armstrong was not close - something like what one would have with a boss's boss.
Given all the problems with various riders on the Postal Team and doping being discussed now, the (very) few mentions of doping emphasize the controlled nature of what he wrote. (There is a history for authors of books etc that talk about this being shunned, so it isn't surprising.)
Other memoirs of cycle racers who were not stars on their teams describe the times they thought they made some great contribution in some detail and with obvious pride, making it clear how second tier riders are motivated. Barry talks about contributing to the team in a more general way. Odd.
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