Review: High Road: Chasing the Yellow Jersey by David Chauner

★★★★½

High Road: Chasing the Yellow Jersey, by David Chauner, will make your heart race.

Kurt Dufour grew up in a world of wealth and privilege. Adulthood hits him hard when at the age of nineteen he’s accused of murder. Just when he thinks his reputation is permanently smeared by the accusation and trial, he receives a second chance. He joins Otto Warner’s American cycling team. Five years later he’s competing in the Tour de France against five-time champion, Jacques Poulain. Can Kurt overcome the obstacles and win?

Professional sports have a way of igniting passion in fans and competitors. David Chauner’s cycling novel may be about a sport that isn’t as popular in America as baseball or football, but his novel brings the intensity, passion, and drama of the Tour de France to life. Yet, one doesn’t have to know much about cycling or the race to enjoy this story. And if you are a cycling fan this book is perfect for you.

Chauner doesn’t just highlight the drama of the cyclists as they compete in one of the most intense and rigorous sporting events. He takes the reader behind the scenes, showing the good, the bad, and the downright ugly aspects of the sport. It’s not much of a secret that when money and fame are involved, some will go to great lengths to succeed no matter the cost. However, the twists and turns in High Road take some unexpected routes. This isn’t just about cycling. It has love, murder, intrigue, revenge, and scandal.

Chauner, a former cyclist and sports writer, has a wonderful way of describing what it feels like to compete in the Tour de France. His passion for the sport shines and is infectious. At times it’s almost as if one isn’t just reading the words on the page, but is actually on a bike, pedaling like mad, gasping for air, and pushing oneself past physical and mental exhaustion to make it to the finish line. These pages fly by and leave the reader breathless.

It’s hard not to get swept away by the suspense of the actual race. This helps the author take the reader by surprise at times. The mystery elements ebb and flow in the story, causing one to forget about crucial episodes and characters. When they resurface it’s like getting hit over the head.

High Road is filled with excitement for all readers, not just cycling enthusiasts. The author has done an excellent job of creating a story that encompasses elements that keep the reader engaged and on the edge of their seats. It’s not solely a sports novel. It’s a story about a young man who wants to shed his past and not be defined by an incident he had no control over. Many readers can relate to the human aspect of the novel. Sports fans will love the passion and drama. This is the author’s first novel and I have a feeling it won’t be his last. And readers don’t be surprised if you start following the Tour de France this summer.

Links
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