Description
A LIFE, NOT JUST ON A BICYCLE
Book Summary
This book is the sports autobiography of Jordi Mariné, a cyclist who chronicles his journey from childhood to his consecration in the world of cycling. Through a personal and detailed account, the author shares his beginnings, the hardships, and the triumphs that defined his career, offering the reader an intimate look at the passion for the sport on two wheels. More than just a sports chronicle, the work is a testimony of personal growth and how a hobby can become the driving force of an entire life.
What is it about?
The narrative begins with Jordi Mariné's childhood memories, where the figure of his brother Josep, fourteen years his senior, is key to sparking his interest in cycling. Through the stories and trading cards of legends like Bernardo Ruiz or Miquel Gual, young Mariné forges a dream. The story follows his evolution, from his first outings to the Reus velodrome to the exciting decision to obtain his racing license in 1959, at the age of 17. The book details the complicated process of obtaining parental permission and the initial obstacle of not having his own bicycle, before delving into his professional career with the Reus Ploms-Derbi team. It is a story of perseverance, where every pedal stroke represents a step toward the realization of a dream.
Main Themes
- Sports autobiography and career trajectory of a professional cyclist.
- Passion for cycling as a vital driver and source of personal growth.
- Beginnings in amateur sports and the jump to professionalism in the 1950s.
- The influence of family and sports idols in the development of an athlete.
- Economic and logistical difficulties (such as the lack of a bicycle) in the early days.
Who is it recommended for?
This book is aimed at cycling fans who wish to learn the story of a racer from the inside, as well as readers interested in sports biographies that show the human effort behind success. It will also be attractive to those looking for stories of personal growth set against the backdrop of mid-20th-century sports in Catalonia.
What this book offers
- An authentic, first-person testimony of the life of a professional cyclist.
- A detailed vision of the world of amateur and professional cycling in 1950s and 60s Spain.
- An inspiring story about how perseverance and passion can overcome initial obstacles.
- The opportunity to connect with the historical memory of Catalan sports and its legendary figures.
Technical Specifications
- Author: MARINE CUESTA, JORDI
- Publisher: Cossetània Edicions
- Language: cat
- Subject: AUTOBIOGRAPHY: SPORTS
- Collection: PERFILS
- Binding: Paperback
- Edition date: September 2011
- Number of pages: 248
- Weight: 613 g
Editorial Assessment
This is a work that provides significant testimonial value for cycling followers and those interested in sports biographies. The narrative, focused on origins and personal growth, offers an honest and unvarnished perspective on what it means to dedicate one's life to this sport. Its main interest lies in the authenticity of the account and the ability to transport the reader to a golden age of cycling, making it a recommended read for those looking for stories of effort and dedication.