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Home > The Belgian Hammer: Forging Young Americans into Professional Cyclists
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The Belgian Hammer: Forging Young Americans into Professional Cyclists
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By Daniel Lee
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 (19 Reviews)
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Publisher:
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Breakaway Books
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Date:
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December 31, 1969 |
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Binding:
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Paperback
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Pages:
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208
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This is the story of what it takes for young Americans to make it in professional cycling. Only thirty-six Americans have competed in the Tour de France since the world's greatest bicycle race began in 1903. That's not too many more than the twelve Americans who have walked on the moon. It's far fewer than the hundreds of Americans who have reached the summit of Mount Everest. But rising stars such as Lawson Craddock of Texas, Benjamin King of Virginia, Taylor Phinney of Colorado, Daniel Holloway of California, and Tyler Farrar of Washington state are doing just that as they endure crashes, cold rain, cobblestones, crosswinds, and culture shock on their road to cycling stardom, which starts in Belgium. This is the story of the next generation?of riders not yet tainted by drug scandals, of riders still bursting with hope and potential. This is the story American cycling fans need right now. Daniel Lee is a passionate journalist and cyclist. In his early twenties, Lee raced his bike across Kentucky horse country, through mountains in Germany and over cobblestones in Belgium. He was even a professional cyclist?for one race?in 1991. He has worked as a reporter with the Indianapolis Star.
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Customers' Reviews:
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 Highly Recommended!, May 23, 2011
By geebike
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The Belgian Hammer is a perfect book for the aspiring cyclists with dreams of reaching the top ranks as well as the average Joe wishing to learn more about the intricacies of the sport. Daniel Lee is an illustrative writer who provides a unique glimpse into the one of the most successful development programs of all time. You won't be disappointed.
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
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Breaking Into the Professional Cycling Circuit, January 19, 2012
By dakotadude
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Racing in Belgium takes all young American rookies by surprise as it's faster, more dangerous, more difficult and the conditions more challenging than anything they've experienced in the States. However, the strong racers usually survive and eventually thrive in these intense Belgian competitions returning to America as professional cyclists.
Interesting, insightful and informative Daniel Lee's THE BELGIAN HAMMER: FORGING YOUNG AMERICANS INTO PROFESSIONAL CYCLISTS keeps you clicking through the cogs as the key races he describes reach critical mass and the young Americans display their raw talent: Displays like Ben King's dramatic breakaway win of the 115 mile US Pro Road Race Championship or Taylor Phinney's US Pro Time Trial Championship win in Greenville in September 2010.
This book describes contemporary American youths' racing experiences -- mostly young men based in Belgium, the groundzero of introductory European style racing -- and how these young guns master the skills needed to successfully ride their way into the future; a future in racing that unfortunately only rewards a very select few. It tells the story of the developmental programs and their primary importance in creating a reality where young American racers can focus on their racing leaving most of the logistics of living in Belgium to others, who just happen to double as coaches.
Reading THE BELGIAN HAMMER makes you want to yank your bike off the trainer and peel off down the road regardless of the fact that the roads are snow-covered and temperatures are in single digits. George Hincapie's Foreword adds a nice touch to a book that should inspire aspiring young American racers to forge ahead and achieve their dreams.
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
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The reality of bike racing, September 21, 2011
By Ian Sutherland
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Daniel Lee's capture of the ambiance, or lack of it, in the rugged life of a racing cyclist in Belgium is remarkably accurate. It portrays the ordeal today with its trials and tribulations. With the exception of the modern equipment and facilities there is a remarkable parallel with the 1950s when I was a young Brit pro racing in Dendemonde, Belgium. The rough and tumble in the bunch, often caused by the roads, not the riders, is still there. I am not sure the emphasis of foul play attributed to the Belgian riders is any worse than in races and racers of other nations. Certainly I have experienced it as a young man in Britain, France Canada and the USA. There are always some... I read the book non-stop and mailed it to a former team-mate in Britain who had been the same route as me and Daniel Lee's subjects. He confirmed it was a trip down memory lane. In Belgium is where racing MEN are made.
An Amazon Reviewed Product
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
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Must read!, June 1, 2011
By easyrider
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I couldn't put The Belgian Hammer down. I was wrapped up in the descriptions and excitement that leaps from the pages. Some of the stories made me laugh and others showed me the importance of determination and true-grit. The passion and drive behind the individuals featured is inspiring. After reading this book I wish I had started my cycling career earlier to enjoy racing at the same level. Now I can only live vicariously through these young men. Chapeau. Ride on.
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
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The Belgian Hammer: Forging Young Americans into Professional Cyclists, May 30, 2011
By Litespeed
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Daniel Lee's enthusiasm for the sport of professional cycling and the journey one takes to achieve his or her dreams makes the Belgian Hammer a must read for any junior (and their parents) along with anyone who is a fan of the competitive spirit. The factors that can influence that competitive spirit is closely examined by Daniel in a way that makes the Belgian Hammer a terrific read. The characters researched for this book are relevant for today's enjoyment of professional cycling and will certainly help shape the future of the sport in a positive manner. So take a look and enjoy!
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
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Good read, view on the gritty side., September 28, 2011
By George Hammerlein (USA)
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Great read, covers some current and future stars of the sport, Lawson Craddock, while grinding it out in the rain and mud over there,,,,,,
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
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This is what it takes, August 8, 2011
By T. Arnold
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I've been riding for a long time, and during my brief time as a competitive cyclist I entertained a lot of dreams about someday making it in the word of pro cycling. Dan Lee creates something special with this book, this is exactly the book I wish I would have had when I was a teenager and dreamed of this sport while watching the CoreStates Road Race in Philly. As a much older ... "seasoned athlete" ... Dan Lee's tale of the up and coming crop of pro cyclists in Europe made me feel as if I was there and a part of it. In fact it made me feel much younger. With all the negative press cycling has received in recent years this book is the perfect chicken soup for the soul of a jaded cycling fan. From the beginning of the book Dan follows a short period in the careers of a group of amazingly talented young riders, with it he's set the stage for the next ten/fifteen years of being a pro cycling fan. I know I'll be watching the riders in this book become the next great Americans riding to the top of European cycling podiums. The catch to this is, that on top of being a great story it lays out exactly what it takes to become a pro cyclist, I think in such a way that it will inspire future cyclists. My only critique to this book is that it had an end, then again, it continues everyday on my favorite cycling web sites.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
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 Nice look at the path for promising young riders!, July 13, 2011
By Tobias Holsman
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Those of us who follow pro cycling generally only see fully-developed riders at the height of their powers. This is a really interesting examination of what it takes for young riders to make the jump to the big leagues. Since cycling remains a fringe sport in the US, the Belgian Hammer details what it's like for these athletes who must first overcome the general secondary status of the sport in their own country, and then find a way through the barriers of language, culture, and logistics just to have a shot at letting their abilities shine forth on the largest stage. One can only speculate that this book would ring true to a young Spaniard who dreams of playing in the NBA.
Cycling's most popular stars have always won their loyalty through their charisma just as much as through their racing achievements. Dan Lee was fortunate enough to befriend riders who are not only powerful athletes, but compelling personalities. This book will inspire young riders to aim high and provide weekend warriors with vicarious connection to the achievements of tomorrow's champions.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
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 Very Disappointing, September 16, 2011
By LanternRouge (London, UK)
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This book is poorly written with numerous passages which meander around with little connection other than that they deal with different young riders who are attempting to make it as pros. Plus, there is an annoying and irrelevant penumbra of God/Jesus lurking in the background. The book would have benefited from a few more focused portraits and interesting race stories. The book is at its best when the author is immersed in the action, such as Taylor Phinney's attempt to win Le Triptyque Des Monts Et Châteaux.
1 of 4 people found this review helpful
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Future of U.S. Cycling is Bright, January 1, 2012
By Andrew Homan
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If you want to know about American professional cyclists who will be capturing headlines for years to come, read Daniel Lee's book. Today, Belgium is the hub of professional cycling and a great proving ground. Lee's book provides a fresh insight to the challenges-thousands of miles from home-these young riders face.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
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A classic "chasing your dreams" kind of book, February 27, 2012
By wheelfox
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Finished the book in one day, so was quite an easy read. Or I just couldn't put the book down! A great book providing insight into the lifestyle of the inspirational youth in cycling. I wish I could make every sports enthusiast read this book, so that they develop an appreciation for the struggle and sacrifices made everyday by such athletes chasing their dreams. Lee depicts such everyday struggles in a "matter of fact" way that causes you to respect these young cyclists at tremendous proportions.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
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Must-read for the cycling fan, February 22, 2012
By CycleGirlRox
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Daniel Lee offers a glimpse of what young riders face in trying to break into the pro ranks, and contrasts it with his own limited experiences from the 1980s. He details how USA Cycling supports a talented few riders whose names you'll recognize as they pursue advancement in cycling during the 2010 season. Written from the author's viewpoint, it departs from the standard cycling narratives and gives a more thoughtful perspective on the sport.
Rarely have I seen a book that treats the sport as it really is, warts and all, through the mud and aches and glory, at the lower levels. Usually it's all about how someone who is already at the top of the game persevered, and they gloss over this period of putting in lots of effort for low or no pay, in group housing, doing it all for themselves.
I admit I bought the book months ago because I ran into the author at a signing, put it on a shelf, and only read it now because there's not much else to do in the winter. I was pleasantly surprised to find myself drawn in and captivated by the stories of Taylor Phinney, Ben King, Lawson Craddock and the rest.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
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I wish I had this when I was a Junior Cyclist, October 20, 2011
By dsa
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Daniel Lee has masterfully captured the thrill, grit, and passion of the sport in a way that inspires us aging cyclists and fuels the fire of those just getting started. The Belgian Hammer is full of funny and inspiring stories of talented kids and the programs and mentors who have and are still helping them find there way into the professional ranks. I love the way the book ends--with a victory no one, not even the author could have predicted. This would also make a great documentary!
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Not Dog in a Hat, October 7, 2011
By Grant Able
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I was a little disappointed with The Belgian Hammer. The chapters are fairly repetitive and often don't advance the narrative. The're more than a few interesting characters in the book but I often felt like Lee was only just past the surface when a chapter would end.
Certainly worth the price for a quick read in the airport or at the beach but not the page turner I was hoping for.
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 A wasted opportunity, October 15, 2011
By Justme (Chiang Mai, Thailand)
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The author, a self-acclaimed journalist has wasted a brilliant opportunity with this book. In the main the book is childish and badly written. If the publishers have an editorial department, then they should have sent the book back for a complete rewrite. I have been a cycling journalist and a writer and publisher. I am also a cyclist entering my 51st year of competition. I know writing. I know cycling. That this book, for me with my experience, is a disappointment, is an understatement. The content could have been brilliant but it is nonsense from the first word to the last. Sorry Daniel, but I have more than 500 books on cycling here at my home in Thailand and this one is the worst by a long way!
0 of 5 people found this review helpful
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Save your money, November 23, 2011
By John Mettler (Seattle, WA USA)
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While some of the descriptions and interviews with the upcoming neo-pros were interesting, I find it hard to believe that Mr Lee is a journalist. The book is not objectively written. It gets tiring when an author claims to be writing a book on a subject and then wears his religion on his sleeve. Its odd that the only belief system he could find amongst the riders was christianity. No Jews, Hindus, Parses, Taoists, nothing else. Save your money and buy Joe Parkin's memoir Dog in a Hat. Its a much better description of the cycling in Belgian and read velonews to keep current on the young riders coming up through the system.
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One of the best books about bicyclists I have read, November 30, 2011
By Mark A. Dehanke
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Author is an outstanding writer and interviewer! It would appear that someone who is new to bicycling would enjoy reading the interviews with the subjects in this book.Well done!!
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Finally, February 4, 2012
By RMikola
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Finally a book that showcases the journey young American cyclists must take entering the world of European cycling. The subject matter has almost been ignored in the cycling community and it's refreshing the Mr. Lee has opened the door. This book was a delightful read. The stories were well written and you can feel Mr. Lee's passion for the sport in every word. I did not put the book down. Daniel Lee's THE BELGIAN HAMMER is a must read for every cycling fan. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that Mr. Lee's will consider writing a guidebook for young cyclists who want to enter into professional cycling as the resources are limited for those who want to enter the world but have no idea where to begin. The stories of the young cyclists he wrote about in the book are great role models. I highly recommend this book to all.
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Boring, February 1, 2012
By Justin (California)
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This is a pretty boring book. There are a few interesting parts, as it follows some young riders on the Belgian amateur circuit. But overall, I think this material is not worthy of a full book. It would have been better as a series of articles in a magazine. The book has been sitting unfinished on my nightstand for a month now.
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
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