Sticky Bottle

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What to expect

‘Entertaining, quirky and an enjoyable read’ – Phil Liggett MBE

'A genuine one-off with a ready wit and a killer anecdote to hand at all times' – Rouleur

'Entertaining... Carlton shows no sign of running out of amusing anecdotes... A worthy sequel that will give his fans more of what they like' – Road.cc

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.

Critics Review

  • Entertaining, quirky and an enjoyable read from a clever writer

    Phil Liggett MBE

  • 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

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