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Book Review: Comeback 2.0

I recently picked up a copy of Comeback 2.0: Up Close and Personal by Lance Armstrong and wanted to share my thoughts on it.

Comeback 2.0 is a look at a year in the life of 7 time Tour De France Winner’s life.  It starts with an introduction detailing his decision to come out of retirement.  Lance gives a great description of the emotions surrounding this from both him and everyone around him.  The book then chronicles both his personal life and his training leading up to the 2009 Tour.

The first thing you notice about this book is the absolutely stunning photography done by Elizabeth Kreutz.  The race photos are among the most beautiful I’ve seen and the rest, which capture Lance doing everything from weight lifting, to driving his kids around, to meeting with foreign leaders really help to capture the energy that Armstrong puts into everything he does.

If you are hoping for deep reading, Comeback 2.0 is not the book for you.  The photography is the focus here, with Lance adding his own commentary throughout.  I managed to read it entirely in about an hour, but it’s that sort of book you find yourself thumbing through just for the photos.  They’re really that great.

Lance gets fairly candid in what little text there is.  He offers blunt but genuine opinions on topics such as the anti-doping controls and the Contandor rivalry.  He also goes into a good bit of detail about the birth of his youngest son, his relationships with his ex-wife and his girlfriend.  It’s interesting to take a look at his out-of-saddle life as well.

Even if you are not a big Armstrong fan, I think any cyclist can appreciate this book.  Beware however, I don’t think it’s possible to read this without getting an overwhelming urge to ride.  I recommend getting this book, but you may want to wait until spring!