Synopses & Reviews
The harrowing, triumphant tale of a cyclists journey to Olympic victory and the price he paid to achieve greatness. Marty Nothstein, one of the greatest cyclists of all time, arrived at the 1996 Olympic Games a heavy favorite. In the match sprint at the Atlanta Olympics, an event akin to prizefighting on a bicycle, he raced around a banked, oval track. Nothstein lost by a hairs width on the finish line and vowed to win the gold at the next Olympics, saying, “I didnt come here for a silver medal.”
In The Price of Gold, Marty Nothstein eloquently and honestly tracks his journey to the games in Sydney and the events that molded him into the worlds fastest man on a bicycle—from his tough-love upbringing in a blue-collar, split home, to the “borderline outlaw” cast of cycling characters who helped guide him through the ranks.
“I had to become the worst, to become the best,” Nothstein says of the single-minded determination that turned him into a veritable monster on his bike, but often forced him to neglect his own family. Sure to become a sports classic, this book will be published in time for the 2012 Olympics, when the worlds eyes are trained on London and international conversation will turn to the question of what it takes to win the gold.
Review
"A story of competition and commitment that will raise readers' heart rates as it brings the antagonistic world of velodrome racing to life."—Shelf Awareness
About the Author
Marty Nothstein is widely regarded as Americas most accomplished track cyclist. During his 17-year racing career Nothstein won an Olympic gold medal in Sydney (2000) and a silver medal in Atlanta (1996). He lives in Orefield, PA.
Ian Dille is a freelance journalist and contributing writer for Bicycling magazine. He lives in Austin, TX.