The Rider cover art

The Rider

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The Rider

By: Tim Krabbé
Narrated by: Mark Meadows
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About this listen

Bloomsbury presents The Rider by Tim Krabbé, read by Mark Meadows.

At the start of the 137-kilometre Tour de Mont Aigoual, Tim Krabbé glances up from his bike to assess the crowd of spectators. ‘Non-racers,’ he writes. ‘The emptiness of those lives shocks me.’ Immediate and gripping from the first page, we race with the author as he struggles up the hills and clings on during descents in the unforgiving French mountains.

Originally published in 1978, The Rider is a modern-day classic that is recognised as one of the best books ever written about the sport. Brilliantly conceived and best listened at a break-neck pace, it is a loving, imaginative and passionate tribute to the art of cycle racing.

©2024 Tim Krabbé (P)2024 Bloomsbury Publishing Plc Cycling Sports

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Critic reviews

'The Rider perfectly captures the grim satisfaction and endorphin-thrill that comes from riding a bike faster than you did the time before. It's also a reminder of the pure pleasure of reading' (Jon McGregor)
All stars
Most relevant
As one of my favourite books about cycling I was interested/apprehensive about giving it a listen. It pleases to confirm that the narrator does a great job of dealing with Krabbé’s idiosyncratic style. Recommend.

A great book read well

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