Velo Press, publishers of such standout cycling-related books as Slaying the Badger (see our review), Argyle Armada (review), and Team 7-Eleven (review), has announced publication of two new titles that should interest Bikerumor fans.
The first-ever biography of Eddy Merckx to be authorized by the Cannibal himself is a lovely picture-filled coffee table-style book. The “525” in the title of course refers to the number of wins Merckx racked up during his career, a number not likely to be topped. According to Velo Press, “Merckx 525 presents newly restored photographs from private collections, the Merckx family, and European newspaper archives, shedding new light on this awe-inspiring athlete’s career from promising youth in Belgium, to fabulous darling of Europe, to hardened veteran of the bike-racing wars”
The 224 pages include 126 full-color pictures and text and is attributed to Ron Reuman, Stephan Vanfleteren, Jan Maes, and Frederik Backelandt. The book retails for $60, but is currently listed well under $40 at Amazon.
Click “more” to view the other newly-published title from Velo Press…
The other newly-released title from Velo Press is titled As the Crow Flies: My Journey to Ironman World Champion, written by triathlete Craig Alexander (nicknamed “Crowie”) with photographs by Paul K. Robbins. In no less than 218 pictures and accompanying text, this book “reflects on his entire 2011 and early 2012 season, bringing triathletes inside his head during key workouts, training blocks, and pivotal moments in big races. Crowie struggles through injury, illness, and changing sponsorships, revealing the delicate balance between elite performance and disaster. On the road to Kona, Alexander won the Ironman 70.3 World Championship, making him the first person to ‘do the double’; win both world championships in the same year.”
This book gives the inside scoop on the all-consuming effort it takes to train to excellence in three disciplines while also dealing with sponsors and travel, yet maintaining his highest priority – life with his wife and two small children. You also get glimpses of the highly-technical clothing, bikes, and footwear needed to compete at the top level of the sport. The suggested retail price is $39.95, but is currently available on Amazon for $26.37.
