Emily Chappell's story of transformation into a cross-continental bike racer, pushing the limits of her endurance.
Shortlisted for the Wales Book of the Year Non-Fiction Award 2020
'Chappell is a gifted storyteller' - Observer
In 2015 Emily Chappell embarked on a formidable new bike race: The Transcontinental. 4,000km across Europe, unassisted, in the shortest time possible. On her first attempt she made it only halfway, waking up suddenly on her back in a field, floored by the physical and mental exertion.
A year later she entered the race again - and won.
Where There's a Will takes us into Emily Chappell's race, grinding up mountain passes and charging down the other side; snatching twenty minutes' sleep on the outskirts of a village before jumping back on the bike to surge ahead for another day; feeding in bursts and navigating on the go. We experience the crippling self-doubt of the ultra distance racer, the confusing intensity of winning and the desperation of losing a dear friend who understood all of this.
About the Author
Emily Chappell worked as a cycle courier in London for many years, telling her story in What Goes Around. Since then she has explored the world on her bike and committed to supporting others to do the same, as a founder of The Adventure Syndicate.
Industry Reviews
"Emily Chappell is one of the most inspiring athletes on the planet. Humble, tender and alive with unimaginable grit, this book makes us see just how much is possible."
Chris Cleave, author of The Other Hand and Everyone Brave is Forgiven
"Her descriptions of what goes on in a rider's head in the middle of a race are on a par with Tim Krabbe. Lyrical writing and compelling reading - a real treat."
Isabel Best, author of Queens of Pain
"A first class cyclist and an even better writer"
Robert Penn, author of It's All About the Bike
