The Cycling Addiction

A Radical Rethink of Pain, Passion and Performance

By: Phil Cavell

Narrated by: Phil Cavell

‘It offers readers not just insight into what drives us to ride, but also a vocabulary for understanding when that drive becomes too much.’ – Dr Michael Liebrenz, Head, Department of Forensic Psychiatry, University of Bern

THE AUTHOR OF THE BESTSELLING THE MIDLIFE CYCLIST EXPLORES HOW OUR CYCLING ADDICTION CAN SAFELY BE USED TO BECOME STRONGER AND FASTER

‘Make pain your friend’ is a mantra cyclists at every level take to heart – pain is the internationally recognised currency of bike racing. You become immersed, single-minded, even obsessed with your training and racing. However, in a sport that requires such a physical and emotional investment, Phil stops to ask: where’s your head at?

The Cycling Addiction helps riders to understand and improve their most effective cycling muscle: the human brain. Each chapter focuses on a plausible justification as to why so many of us seek to suffer, and why our bikes are our preferred instruments of self-torture.

Blending smart science and practical advice, Phil Cavell turns to psychiatrists, team physicians, as well as stars such as Philippa York, Chris Boardman and Eddy Merckx for answers. With a profound understanding of and respect for the cycling tribe, this book examines how our addiction can be controlled and utilised to reboot our mindsets and revolutionise our riding, for good.©2026 Phil Cavell (P)2026 Bloomsbury Publishing Plc

Critic reviews

It offers readers not just insight into what drives us to ride, but also a vocabulary for understanding when that drive becomes too much ... I deeply admire his ability to bridge science and lived experience. (Dr Michael Liebrenz, Head, Department of Forensic Psychiatry, University of Bern)