Close to Flying

With sales of over 40,000 copies for the hardback, Close to Flying was one of Christmas 2009's bestselling books. Cadel Evans appeared at sold-out events across Australia and thrilled fans with his 2009 Cycling world Championship win. With his recent success at the Giro d'Italia, Cadel is again poised to be amongst the leaders in the coveted Tour de France in 2010. This is the personal story of a champion in the making. Physiologically Cadel Evans has the best numbers of any cyclist tested at the Australian Institute of Sport, the organisation that is behind Australia's super stars in international sport. He was considered to be potentially one of the world's best; and that's exactly what Cadel has become. Few noticed him in his first Tour de France when in the last week he was photographed on the final climb of the stage alongside the leaders Lance Armstrong and Ivan Basso. But he was determined to succeed, and that year he finished eighth. By 2006 he was fifth overall and in 2007 he lost to Alberto Contador by a mere 23 seconds. But who is this dedicated sportsman? And what has been his formula for success? He is a competitor who refuses to allow ego to dictate strategy. Today he receives a monthly program that sets out his schedule day-by-day. It outlines in intricate detail the required elements that are to be fulfilled: how many hours, what percentage should be spent at various heart rate thresholds, specific cadences, the length of time he should be climbing, and so on. Cadel's regime starts in November and will reach it's end point in July. Cadel Evans: Close to flying is the behind the scenes story of the extraordinary dedication and hard work it takes to reach the highest level of elite sport. Cadel gives us a glimpse of the physical and psychological tests that are required to be the best, whilst giving an illuminating and fascinating look at the Tour de France - the teams; the climbs; the politics and the opponents that make it the most renowned cycling race in the world.