carbonaddiction

I’ve read a lot of cycling books of late. And libraries worth of sporting biographies over the years.

Which is why it’s been rather refreshing to read such an honest and humble sportsman’s account – warts and all – rather than the usual 300 or so pages of ego-stroking from an author who wants to tell the world how awesome he or she is/was.

Maltese-born, Hong Kong raised, Scottish rider, Twitterer and reformed drug cheat David Millar doesn’t make excuses. And he doesn’t seek to sensationalize, or demonise, others. What he does provide is a deeply personal insight into the world, joys and pressures of pro cycling, doping and the code of silence, or omertà.

About the only shame is that was published before Armstrong fessed up, and even more poignantly, before Millar himself triumphed on stage 12 of the 2012 Tour from Saint-Lean-de-Maurienne to Annonay/Davezieux, for what was surely the defining moment in his cycling redemption. I guess a new chapter or two may appear in future reprints….