I’m re-reading a wonderful book by Jean Bobet, brother and lieutenant of 3-time Tour de France winner, Louison. Here he talking about why cycling must be started at a young age.
At the end of high school it is too late, and too hard. Too hard, because though you play football or rugby, cycling is something you do. There is a nuance here. If you lose the ball it is only ever a mistake to be forgotten as soon the the ball comes back to you again. If you weaken on a hill, it is a sentence that the next hill will only confirm. It is so hard that it is too late to take up at 18, and university students are therefore out the the running.
‘If you weaken on a hill, it is a sentence that the next hill 
will only confirm.’ What a painful truth!
The Vicious Cycle 
Yeah, ain’t that the truth!
Keep meaning to read this book, and keep forgetting. Thanks for the reminder!
It’s a great translation.
I believe I might be serving a life sentence…
You and me both.
My absolute favourite cycling book. I’ve had a review half written for about two years, but I can’t quite do it justice. Maybe I’ll take another look at it.
I actually thought about contacting him for an interview. Better be quick – he’s 86! Would love to read that review.