First published in 1990 Rough Ride" is one of the greatest books ever written about the life of a professional athlete. Almost twenty years later Yellow Jersey is publishing an updated edition of this cycling classic with a new foreword by the author which reflects on his life both inside & outside the sport. Paul Kimmages boyhood dreams were of cycling glory: wearing the yellow jersey cycling the Tour de France becoming a national hero. He knew it wouldnt come easy but he was prepared to put in the graft: he spent his teenage years cycling an average of 400 miles per week. The dedication began to pay off. As an amateur he represented his country & finished sixth in the World Championships. In 1986 he turned professional. Thats when reality hit. He soon discovered it wasnt about glory & courage & it wasnt about how much training you put in or how much you wanted to win. It was about gruelling defeats complete & utter exhaustion & it was about drugs. Not drugs that would ensure victory but drugs that would allow you to finish the race & start another day. Paul Kimmage left the sport to write this book. It is a powerful & frank account that breaks the law of silence surrounding the issue of drugs in sport. An eye-opening expose & a heartbreaking lament it is a book that anyone interested in any sport should read."