Get up to speed for this year's Tour de France and get in a roadie state of mind with the following cycling reads.

Death-defying rides, bare-faced cheating, blind passions, double dealing—the Tour de France is the greatest show on wheels. For more than a century, the Tour has captured the world’s imagination as the ultimate test of man’s strength and willpower. Blazing Saddles: The Cruel and Unusual History of the Tour de France spins a riotous tale of the inspiring and sometimes astonishing history of cycling’s most famous race, its whimsical mishaps and astounding feats. $25.95. Velopress.com

Ever wonder why cyclists shave they legs? Or what they eat during those six-hour Tour de France stages? And what’s up with those ridiculous jerseys? Answers to these mysteries and more are revealed in Jamie Smith’s hilarious Roadie: The Misunderstood World of a Bike Racer. Written to entertain road racers and educate their befuddled friends and family members, Roadie offers a comprehensive and comic look at the world of competitive cycling. $21.95. Velopress.com

Delve into the mind of Johan Bruyneel, the winningest team director in cycling history and the mastermind behind the success of seven-time Tour winner, Lance Armstrong, in his new book We Might as Well Win. Written with Bill Strickland, executive editor of Bicycling magazine, this book takes readers behind the scenes of Bruyneel’s history in the sport and his recipe for winning. $25. Houghtonmifflinbooks.com