In 2012, Joe Barr almost died from altitude sickness on the infamous 11,000-ft Wolf Creek Pass in a Race Across America attempt. The infamous 3,200-mile race is non-stop, ultra-cycling at its most extreme. In 2014, Joe returned and received the coveted Finisher's medal, and in 2019, at the age of 60, he went back again and won his category.

This story of extreme perseverance begins on a yellow Raleigh Chopper on the streets of Co. Derry, where Joe, trying to escape the harsh everyday reality of the Troubles as a young Catholic boy in an all-Protestant school, went on long bicycle rides into the countryside, dreaming of one day taking part in cycling's grand tours.

When his baby son was diagnosed with cancer, Joe got on the bike with a different purpose and won his first endurance race, the 1,300-mile, non-stop Race Around Ireland. Since then, Joe has won major World Cup races all over the world. This is a story of unimaginable grit, and of what it takes to keep going despite countless obstacles and to persevere when failure seems inevitable.

About the Author

Joe Barr has won over 500 races and amassed hundreds of medals and trophies in an impressive array of cycling disciplines. A Commonwealth Games bronze medallist, he has represented his country at numerous World Championship events.

Robin Sheeran has been a BBC journalist for over 20 years, working in radio, television and online. He is a member of Kings Moss Cycling Club.

Book Information
ISBN 9780717190607
Author Joe Barr
Format Hardback
Page Count 304
Imprint Gill Books
Publisher Gill
Weight(grams) 512g
Dimensions(mm) 240mm * 160mm * 26mm