Sticky Bottle: The Cycling Year According to Carlton Kirby

(Hardback)

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Description

Entertaining, quirky and an enjoyable read from a clever writer Phil Liggett MBE 'A genuine one-off with a ready wit and a killer anecdote to hand at all times' Rouleur Legendary commentator Carlton Kirbys professional cycling race year takes us from the magnificent Grand Tours and iconic Spring Classics to the sports more bizarre corners with plenty of his inimitable and irreverent diversions en route. A true cycling nut would be hard pushed to even name all 36 races on the UCI World Tour, but there is much more to professional racing than national tours and monuments. Its a year-long global schedule venturing as far afield as Burkina Faso and Gabon. So why not take some of these roads less travelled in the company of Carlton Kirby, a real commentary nomad, cycling expert and hilarious raconteur. Carltons year follows the cycling seasons through the Spring Classics to the Grand Tours and on to the World Championships and Six Day track racing. In between hes visiting the lesser known, bizarre and challenging races such as Tour de Langkawi, Flanders Scheldeprijs, The Red Hook Crit in New Jersey and UKs National Hill Climb Championships. Along the way we hear great cycling stories from the past as well as how he appeared in a blockbuster action movie, bought an octopus in an auction, got lost in a storm on a sacred Catalonian mountain and faced near death in a biscuit factory. And thats just some of the anecdotes that dont involve Sean Kelly.

Reviews

Entertaining, quirky and an enjoyable read from a clever writer * Phil Liggett MBE *
Working with Carlton is a rollercoaster ride. Occasionally scary but always a lot of fun. Much like his books * Jo Rowsell, multiple World and Olympic Champion *
The tales, stories and experiences from Carlton engross you, its almost as if you were there with him in person. Guaranteed to give you a good chuckle! * Hannah Walker, cycling broadcaster *
Listening to Carlton Kirby for the first time is like a cyclist doing their first sticky bottle. Before you know it, it's an unescapable and pain-relieving habit * Benji Naesen, Lanterne Rouge Cycling podcast *
Carlton Kirby is a legend in the world of cycling. This book is a must for all fans of the sport. Get ready to snort with laughter * David Hunter @cyclingmole *
Carlton's calls are more unique, energy-filled, and entertaining than any I have heard. I am sure you'll find the same in this book * Chris Horner, America's most recent Grand Tour winner *
Carlton is the ultimate cycling story teller. He has the ability to make big wins legendary. He is a joy for cycling fans globally! * Iljo Keisse, seven-times Six Days of Ghent winner *
If races went off on as many tangents as Carlton does during commentary they would be 500km long! ... But working with Carlton on broadcast is like getting a sticky bottle! * Robbie McEwan, three-time Tour de France green jersey winner *

Author Bio

Carlton Kirby is the principal cycling commentator for Eurosport and has covered the Tour de France, the Giro dItalia and Vuelta a Espaa among many other cycling races. He has worked in broadcasting for over thirty years over which time he has accumulated legions of loyal fans who are drawn to his witty and, at times, excitable style. @carltonkirby