In his book, “The Secret Race” , ex pro cyclist,  Tyler Hamilton, reveals much of the talked about doping that has surrounded the world of professional cycling in previous years.

I was on my tour through Africa when Lance Armstrong finally confessed to taking performance enhancement drugs. Writing as someone who struggles to play “cheat” at cards and could never even attempt poker, I found it incredible that someone could keep up a lie so significant for such a period of time. With this background and many people asking how I could remain cycling for so long I have chosen this time to reveal my top riding secrets.

It’s 9pm. The party (though also the thunder and lightening) is just starting here on Alps d’huez. I am already in my tent, with my hot water bottle and about to sleep. No doubt a surprise to many who know me. While I love riding it’s possible only with adequate rest, carbohydrates and, given we are in France, cheese, pain au chocolate and a cheeky vino.

I don’t waste my energy constantly doing laundry. Obviously I’m going so fast on my bike no-one could smell me anyway though I do wash shorts daily to avoid sores.  I have invested well in a good saddle, and unless it’s wet don’t bother with chamois cream. I don’t try to keep up but stick to my own comfortable pace.  While fully aware that increasing cadence is a better way to ride I find it exhausting. That said, I occasionally work on this for shorter distances but ultimately I listen to myself.

Having managed around 20, 000 km so far (I will soon calculate the distance more closely) I think I’m doing ok. So, for now I”ll carry on. The only thing I need to keep going is to continue enjoying it. I may not lose weight;  I may not go any faster. I will see the world and thoroughly enjoy my time doing so.

The only real secret….it’s not a race.