I couldn’t wait for Jens Voigt’s book to be released. When it was downloaded onto my Kindle, I was eager to begin reading. I was not disappointed. I enjoyed SHUT UP LEGS! MY WILD RIDE ON AND OFF THE BIKE by Jens Voigt with James Startt very much and read it nonstop over the past few days.
I could hear Jens Voigt’s voice in my head as I was reading and I smiled often at his language and expressions. He writes and commentates exactly as he talks - it is very refreshing. There is nothing coy or stilted or reserved.
Jens seems to be quite a character on and off the bike and his personality shines through on every page.
I like the conversational style of the book; the arrangement of the book starting with the title, cover, the chapter progression, the introduction, acknowledgements and photos.
Every chapter is interesting and his observations, insights, friendships, difficulties and triumphs are all worth reading about. I especially liked his reflections on growing up in a small town in East Germany; his love of family and friends; his descriptions of his teams and individual races; his preparation for his attempt at breaking the Hour Record and his thoughts on retirement.
SHUT UP LEGS! is not a tell-all, gossipy book, but an insightful memoir of the bike racer that is Jens Voigt.
Whether or not you are a cyclist or follow the sport of cycling, I do think you will enjoy this book. I would also recommend Jens’ Twitter feed, and his writing and commentating on various cycling races. ( )