One-Way Ticket cover art

One-Way Ticket

Nine Lives on Two Wheels

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One-Way Ticket

By: Jonathan Vaughters
Narrated by: Jonathan Vaughters
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About this listen

One Way Ticket is the story of a man and modern cycling.

Jonathan Vaughters is one of the leading figures in world cycling, a record-breaking mountain climber, Tour de France stage winner and former teammate to Lance Armstrong. He is now manager and influential figurehead of the renowned Education First World Tour team.

In One-Way Ticket: Nine Lives and Two Wheels he describes a journey from driven teenage prodigy, travelling to races in the back of his dad's station wagon, to an obsessive determination to make it big in European racing - whatever the cost. He tells the story of his transformation from poacher to gamekeeper, detailing his painful decision to finally come clean about his own descent into doping - and to persuade others to do likewise - by providing more than enough shocking testimony to USADA (US Anti-Doping Agency) to explode the Armstrong myth.

Working in collaboration with Jeremy Whittle, former cycling correspondent to The Times, now writing for The Guardian, Vaughters reveals the ease with which, his illusions shattered, he walked away from European racing. He documents his own suffering in races, the trials of establishing a team and mentoring young riders, and the dizzying highs of success in races such as the Tour de France, Giro d'Italia and Paris-Roubaix.

Vaughters' long and winding road mirrors that of cycling itself, as this compelling but troubled sport still struggles, after years of scandal, to restore its credibility. Along the way, he shares his unique experience to lift the lid on a world he has both loathed and loved, detailing the fights and fall-outs with cycling's leading figures, including Lance Armstrong, Pat McQuaid, Johan Bruyneel, Bradley Wiggins and Dave Brailsford.

©2019 Jonathan James Vaughters (P)2019 Quercus Editions Limited
Cycling Inspiring Sports Thought-Provoking

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All stars
Most relevant  
From his childhood love of riding, through to his dope--fueling years, to the fly by the seat-of-your-pants management and funding of mid-sized Tour cycling teams, Jonathan Vaughers lifts the lid on the world of pro cycling. It's a story of his love affair of biking that crushes personal relationships in an all-consuming, win at all costs mentality. The story highlights the raw pain and stoicism required to get to the top tier of cycling. I feel a pang for the honest riders who kept their moral compass straight and who left empty-handed with a sport awash with drugs (seemingly under a highly suspect UCI). An honest, personal and insightful account of a life devoted to cycling, well written and well told.

Upclose & personal with a brutally honest cheat!

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A very honest book through a real cycling journey.
Better than I expected, not sure why I hadn't visited this before but glad I did. Will follow EF with greater interest now as well. 'Educational' in terms of the current peleton structure too,. Will recommend highly to those with any interest in pro cycling, past or present.

A Great Book.

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I have always seen JV in cycling background and had no idea about his racing past. Listening to tales of his trials and tribulations as an awkward teenager drew me in to listen further. I was a little terrified when Lance was sewn into the story, though. I thought, here we go again! Thankfully, not too much focus was placed on that. I started reading about cycling just after Van Summeran won the Roubaix. i didnt understand then why he was gladly lifting up a stone (cobble). i also have fond memories of Thor Hushovd especially when he broke away at the Thor. Who knew the issues that were in the background!
This was a trully personal story that highlighted to me the toxic nature of narrow mindedness in whatever capacity, in cycling or in the world. the points raised here could be imagined in other areas. Also, it was great and eye opening to hear about the great efforts and trials endured to become a better rider.

an enjoyable listen

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Wonderful book. I'm really happy JV read it himself. The book sheds light on Wiggins- Armstrong business as well as whole lotta doping. Plus, it really shines a torch onto Brailsford's dodgy, bald head and paints a picture of a right bastard. Rightfully so.
EF are one of my favourites in the peloton and for a reason. Long may this team continue!

A Must Read!

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Very interesting read with a lot of detail. Good to have JV as the narrator also! Best cycling book I have read in some time.

Excellent Read!

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A fascinating insight into the races, riders and what it took to make it in an EPO fuelled peloton...

Brilliant and brutally honest!

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This book is read by the author. While the author writes well and has a very interesting story and perspective on cycling, reading a book is another story. I was just wishing he'd let a professional do their job.

Interesting story, well-written book, very tedious narration

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I’ve read a lot of behind the scenes cycling books, this is the best, fantastic honest and enlightening book, a must read

Honest and enlightening book

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A really good insight into the man and the world of pro-cycling. I have read many similar books but this is the best and possibly the most complete and honest account.
GREAT READ👍

Cycling transparency

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An autobiography read by the author - added a extra dimension. At times JW seemed bored reading his own words. Listening to someone earnestly telling you a story about how they repeatedly misrepresented the truth while appearing earnest makes you pause, listen and consider. The book is all the better for this and represents a step up from the mondane.

Good listen

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