The growing success of Cyclo Sportives has lead to the release of a book called "Successful Sportives".

A ground breaking book that officially endorses and provides a wealth of information on this new Genre of cycling that has seen a rapid increase in popularity, particularly from UK cyclists.

My own eagerness and enthusiasm for Sportives prevailed me to read the book from cover to cover.

Written by Dr Garry Palmer and Richard Allen the book covers the whole spectrum in the participation of Sportives.

Garry Palmer's authority as a leading sports scientist provides essential chapters related to physiology, training and nutrition. A must for anyone wanting to take part in Sportives, from newcomer to experienced Sportivers.

Richard's own experience in big international events such as the Etape du Tour and his appreciation of cycling, as a sports journalist, complements the science behind the book.

Mark Cavendish, the newly crowned "king of stage wins by a British rider in the Tour de France", with his fierce some and unquestionable sprinting speed, contributes some invaluable advice. Topics such as surviving the mountain stages of the Tour gives a better understanding into the world of a Professional and how it applies to aspiring amateur cyclists.

The book covers detailed information on building training programs, both for the novice and experienced rider; how to avoid overtraining and of particular interest at this time of the year - how to cope with winter training.

The book has a very international flavour with the intention of preparing anyone wanting to take on the challenge of riding a demanding event like the Etape du Tour which should appear on everyone's wish list.

Expertise is provided from regular Sportivers like Steve Timmins, cancer survivor and 3 times Etape du Tour participant, Grant Difford on the Lake Tuppo challenge in New Zealand, Andy Southall on the Tour of Flanders classic in Belgium and Ellis Organ on the Italian Gran Fondo Campagnolo.

As an experienced Sportiver, I found the chapters on nutrition and diet of real benefit as this will allow me to focus on my own improvement and objectives for 2009. There are four chapters in "easy digestible" sections covering basic dietary needs, the importance of hydration and the optimal nutrition needed for exercise.

If you are unable to get out regularly on your bike, and are considering other forms of exercise for example running, then there is sound advice on the chapter covering cross training and how to maintain your endurance levels.
The book "understands and addresses" the needs of the Sportive rider, lessons that can be learnt, time gained and strategies improved upon.

Each year 1,500 to 2,000 riders out of the 8,500 who take part annually in the Etape Du Tour don't finish. Is that bad luck, lack of knowledge or preparation? Don't take any chances and buy "Successful Sportives!"

Available from 1st October 2008 RRP £19.99 ISBN: 978-1-4081-0049-3 Available at all major book retailers both in-store and on-line. However you can order a copy directly from Sportstest today.

Cyclosport.org features in the resource guide along with many other useful organisations, events and websites.

No matter what level you are at, you can learn from this book and hopefully achieve your objectives whether it's the Tour of Flanders or the Tour of Wessex!