For 11 years I was a professional cyclist, competing in the hardest and greatest races on Earth. I was in demand from the world’s best teams, a well-paid elite athlete. But I never won a race. I was the hired help.
When my mum dropped me off in a small French town aged 17, I was full of determination to be a professional cyclist, but I was completely green. I went from mowing the team manager’s lawn to winning every amateur race I entered. Then I turned pro and realised I hated the responsibility and pressure of chasing victory. And that’s when I became a domestique.
I learned to take that hurt and give it everything I had to give, all for someone else’s win. When the order came in to ride it was I pushed out with the hardest rhythm I could, dragging the group faster and faster, until my whole body screamed with pain. There were times I rode myself to a standstill, clutching the barrier metres from the line, as the lead group shot past. But that’s what made me a so good at my job.
As my career took off, I started looking at the fans lining the route, cheering us like heroes. The passion for cycling oozed off them, but they couldn’t know what it was really like. They didn’t see the terrible hotels, the crazy egos or all the shit that goes with great expectations. Well, this is how it is.
Natalie Thomas (verified owner) –
Ebooks from this store are my guilty pleasure. I can indulge in my love for reading without cluttering my bookshelves.
Sarah Thompson (verified owner) –
Ebooks from this store are my guilty pleasure. I can indulge in my love for reading without cluttering my bookshelves.
Sophia King (verified owner) –
The online store had a great variety of ebooks to choose from. I found one on a topic I’ve been wanting to explore, and it was an excellent read.
Caleb Stewart (verified owner) –
I’m a student, and ebooks have been a lifesaver. I can access my textbooks from anywhere, and it’s made studying so much easier.
Natalie Thomas (verified owner) –
Ebooks from this store have kept me sane during lockdown. I can’t thank them enough for helping me escape into different worlds.
Ava Adams (verified owner) –
The online store’s website is user-friendly, and the checkout process is straightforward. It’s a pleasure to shop here.
Matthew Gray (verified owner) –
I appreciate the recommendations feature on this online store. It’s introduced me to books I never would have discovered on my own.
Christopher Hughes (verified owner) –
Every ebook from chiarareads keeps me entertained and informed.
Alexander Green (verified owner) –
The online store’s website is user-friendly, and the checkout process is straightforward. It’s a pleasure to shop here.
Ava Adams (verified owner) –
I love the option to preview ebook samples before making a purchase. It helps me make informed decisions about what to read.