{"product_id":"behind-the-stare-the-pulse-character-of-professional-european-cyclocross-9781937565336","title":"Behind the Stare: The Pulse \u0026 Character of Professional European Cyclocross","description":"\u003ch2\u003eProfessional Cyclocross: Inside the Lives of Europe's Elite Riders\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\nBehind the Stare delivers an immersive look into modern professional cyclocross, focusing on the European theater while integrating the growing American presence in international competition. This paperback chronicles the lives of the sport's stars through first-person, present tense narrative that brings readers directly into the action.\n\n\u003ch2\u003eFeatured Riders and Stories\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\nThe book centers on six elite cyclocross athletes: Sven Nys, Erwin Vervecken, Bart Wellens, Lars Boom, Jonathan Page, and Ryan Trebon. Rather than a technical manual, this work explores what it takes to reach the top of professional cyclocross by documenting the riders' experiences, training insights, and personal journeys. The narrative weaves together archetypal themes of character, ethics, ambition, and perseverance that transcend the sport itself.\n\n\u003ch2\u003eEpisodic Narrative Style\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\nGeoff Proctor employs episodic and telegraphic narration combined with literary allusion to create an engaging read for cycling enthusiasts and general sports readers alike. The present tense storytelling places readers in the moment, whether at European races, training sessions, or behind-the-scenes moments that define professional cyclocross culture.\n\n\u003ch2\u003eTimely Release for World Championships\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\nPublished in September 2012, Behind the Stare arrived as Louisville prepared to host the 2013 World Cyclocross Championships, marking a pivotal moment for American cyclocross. The book captures this intersection of European tradition and American ambition in the sport.\n\n\u003ch2\u003eAbout the Author\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cb\u003eGeoff Proctor\u003c\/b\u003e brings over 30 years of competitive cycling experience to this work. During the 2017-18 season, he served as Program Director \u0026amp; Performance Director for USA Cycling's Cyclocross Program, leading to top USA performances at the 2018 World Championships in Valkenberg, Netherlands. Since 2002, he has directed numerous summer development camps, European competition blocks, and sixteen world championships. Proctor served two consecutive four-year terms on the UCI Cyclocross Commission (2009-2016), advocating for cyclocross development, vision, calendar, and rules on a global level. He lives in Helena, Montana, where he teaches high school English, coaches youth cyclists, and continues to race.\n\n\u003ch2\u003eBook Specifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\nThis paperback edition retails at $19.95 and falls within the Sports \u0026amp; Recreation category, specifically sports literature. The combination of insider access, literary narrative style, and comprehensive coverage of professional cyclocross makes this an essential read for anyone interested in bike racing culture and the athletes who define it.","brand":"GP Velo Mondial LLC","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50493237690642,"sku":"9781937565336","price":14.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0831\/4771\/8930\/files\/img_c3e91716-ea63-439a-ae34-edfa3a1e4deb.jpg?v=1730639478","url":"https:\/\/surprise-castle.myshopify.com\/products\/behind-the-stare-the-pulse-character-of-professional-european-cyclocross-9781937565336","provider":"Surprise Castle","version":"1.0","type":"link"}