Being the fastest cyclist in the world at the start line means nothing if your mind isn’t strong enough to get you to the finish line

In 2018, Leigh Timmis became the fastest person to cycle across Europe – in just 16 days, 10 hours and 45 minutes – breaking the previous world record by an astonishing 8 days and 17 hours. But when he set out to break the record, Leigh wasn’t just trying to conquer the road.

As he prepared his body for this ultra-endurance world record attempt, Leigh realized that he would have to confront deeper problems to make it to the finish line. Although test results showed that he already had the physical ability of an elite athlete, something was holding him back: his troubled mind.

With the support of psychologists and sports science experts, Leigh confronted the past that had left him with vulnerabilities he would need to understand and overcome in the pursuit of performance. Then, cycling for 14 hours a day, from the west coast of Portugal to the edge of Siberia, he embarked on far more than just a physical journey.

My Thoughts:

This is not my usual kind of read but I am trying to be more open about reading books outside my comfort zone. I highly recommend reading this book, as a true story it shows what we can overcome our fears if we just put our minds to it. Leigh is the fastest cyclist in the world, and what he has achieved is truly inspirational and inspiring. This book is about how he trained for the world record attempt, he knew his body could cope with it all but could his mind. He works with a couple of experts to find a way to deal with what is going on in his head and how to achieve his goal. It is a book that I never thought I would read but I am so glad I have as it has inspired me to get out there on my bike. It covers quite a few topics but even if your not a cyclist, just give it a read, I loved it.

I received an ARC copy of this book for an honest review.

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