PEZ Bookshelf: Riding with the Rocketmen

British author James Witts chronicles his ambitious preparation for the 2022 l’Étape du Tour in his book "Riding with the Rocketmen: One Man’s Journey on the Shoulders of Cycling Giants." The event allows amateur cyclists to experience a stage of the Tour de France firsthand, tackling some of the most challenging climbs in the Alps. Witts, a self-described middle-aged man weighing 92kg with a modest cycling background, embarks on an intensive seven-month training journey guided by insights from professional riders and sports scientists. L’Étape du Tour 2022 replicated Stage 12 of the Tour de France, covering 167 kilometres and 4,700 metres of vertical ascent, including the iconic climbs of Galibier, Croix de Fer, and Alpe d’Huez. The event attracted over 11,000 participants despite extreme heat exceeding 40°C, underscoring the physical demands faced by amateurs on these legendary routes. Witts’ narrative balances humour with serious analysis, drawing on his experience as a sports journalist and editor, as well as his access to professional cycling teams and experts. Witts’ preparation involved detailed physiological testing at John Moores University in Liverpool, where he measured his VO₂ max, functional threshold power, and lactate levels, benchmarks typically reserved for elite athletes. He also consulted professionals such as George Bennett from UAE Team Emirates and Dr Daniel Green, a performance consultant for Israel-Premier Tech, to understand the rigorous training regimes and data-driven approaches used by WorldTour cyclists. This blend of scientific insight and personal endeavour highlights the gap between amateur and professional cycling while showing how knowledge can help bridge it. The book also explores the limits of physiological data through the story of Oskar Svendsen, who recorded the highest VO₂ max ever but whose career was cut short, illustrating that raw numbers alone do not guarantee success. Witts’ experience underscores the importance of tailored coaching and realistic goal-setting, as he adapts professional methods to his own capabilities. His journey offers an engaging perspective on how dedicated amateurs can aspire to ride like the pros, combining passion with science to tackle some of cycling’s toughest challenges.