LoveReading Says
LoveReading Says
Hanging out with Carlton Kirby must be a lot of fun. And if you’re into competitive cycling there is probably no better company. Sticky Bottle is the cycling year as experienced by Eurosport’s legendary cycling commentator, who on the basis of these journals is the Jeremy Clarkson of two wheels. Determined to make every trip memorable, Kirby plunges his considerable character into the local scene, avoiding his hotel room at all costs, unless it’s while hurling over-ripe tomatoes at late night revellers..
He’s playful, impulsive, and certainly confident whether in a Turkish massage parlour, on the back of a scooter in Paris or receiving a caution for buying an octopus on the Algarve. Every now and again he seems to remember he’s not on a jolly and heads to a commentary box to do his thing and immediately transforms into a cycling nerd. Japes aside, Sticky Bottle does provide a helpful guide to the 36 races on the UCI world tour, and he also does a great job of describing the greatest moments from each, most of which he seems to have been there for.
From Yorkshire to Gabon, Paris to Bastardo (yes indeed..), Carlton Kirby brings extra colour to the racing world and his unique style of race coverage to living rooms everywhere. Sticky Bottle is a must-read for cycling enthusiasts who want more of that. And as an added bonus with every chapter there is a snippet of classic commentary or a new piece of cycling lingo explained, such as ‘the washing machine’, ‘on the rivet’ and of course ‘sticky bottle’. Read it in Lycra.
Greg Hackett
Find This Book In
| Primary Genre |
Sports
|
| Other Genres: |
|
About
Sticky Bottle Synopsis
Legendary commentator Carlton Kirby's professional cycling race year takes us from the magnificent Grand Tours and iconic Spring Classics to the sport's more bizarre corners with plenty of his inimitable and irreverent diversions en route.
A true cycling nut would be hard pushed to even name all 36 races on the UCI World Tour, but there is much more to professional racing than national tours and monuments. It's a year-long global schedule venturing as far afield as Burkina Faso and Gabon.
So why not take some of these roads less travelled in the company of Carlton Kirby, a real commentary nomad, cycling expert and hilarious raconteur. Carlton's year follows the cycling seasons through the Spring Classics to the Grand Tours and on to the World Championships and Six Day track racing.
In between he's visiting the lesser known, bizarre and challenging races such as Tour de Langkawi, Flanders' Scheldeprijs, The Red Hook Crit in New Jersey and UK's National Hill Climb Championships.
Along the way we hear great cycling stories from the past as well as how he appeared in a blockbuster action movie, bought an octopus in an auction, got lost in a storm on a sacred Catalonian mountain and faced near death in a biscuit factory.
And that's just some of the anecdotes that don't involve Sean Kelly.
About This Edition
| ISBN: |
9781472994592 |
| Publication date: |
25th May 2023 |
| Author: |
Carlton Kirby |
| Publisher: |
Bloomsbury Sport an imprint of Bloomsbury Publishing PLC |
| Format: |
Hardback |
| Pagination: |
240 pages |
| Primary Genre |
Sports
|
| Other Genres: |
|
Press Reviews
Carlton Kirby Press Reviews
Entertaining, quirky and an enjoyable read from a clever writer - Phil Liggett MBE
A genuine one-off with a ready wit and a killer anecdote to hand at all times - Rouleur
Working with Carlton is a rollercoaster ride. Occasionally scary but always a lot of fun. Much like his books - Jo Rowsell, multiple World and Olympic Champion
The tales, stories and experiences from Carlton engross you, it's almost as if you were there with him in person. Guaranteed to give you a good chuckle! - Hannah Walker, cycling broadcaster
Listening to Carlton Kirby for the first time is like a cyclist doing their first sticky bottle. Before you know it, it's an unescapable and pain-relieving habit - Benji Naesen, Lanterne Rouge Cycling podcast
Carlton Kirby is a legend in the world of cycling. This book is a must for all fans of the sport. Get ready to snort with laughter - David Hunter @cyclingmole
Carlton's calls are more unique, energy-filled, and entertaining than any I have heard. I am sure you'll find the same in this book - Chris Horner, America's most recent Grand Tour winner
Carlton is the ultimate cycling story teller. He has the ability to make big wins legendary. He is a joy for cycling fans globally! - Iljo Keisse, seven-times Six Days of Ghent winner
If races went off on as many tangents as Carlton does during commentary they would be 500km long! ... But working with Carlton on broadcast is like getting a sticky bottle! - Robbie McEwan, three-time Tour de France green jersey winner
Author
About Carlton Kirby
Carlton Kirby is the principal cycling commentator for Eurosport and has covered the Tour de France, the Giro d’Italia and Vuelta a España among many other cycling races. He has worked in broadcasting for over thirty years over which time he has accumulated legions of loyal fans who are drawn to his witty and, at times, excitable style.
More About Carlton Kirby
