Author: Peter Bidwell

Publisher: Steele Roberts of Wellington

Reviewer: Ben Christian, RoadCycling.co.nz 

This isn't a story about cycling, or even a cyclist. This is a story about Jorge Sandoval, an immigrant to New Zealand who arrived in the country many years ago not speaking English and who now runs the very successful UCI ranked Trust House Cycle Classic and NZCT Women's Tour of New Zealand.

The book shares the story of his life and all that has shaped him into the determined man he is today.   

Surviving Pinochet, written by Peter Bidwell in the words of Sandoval, covers the torturous times where Sandoval was imprisoned in a concentration camp during the 1973 Chilean coup initiated by General Pinochet.

This was a dark time in the history of Chile, and for those readers who might know little about what occurred during the Pinochet regime, the insights from Sandoval's experiences provides a chilling reminder of the world in which we all live.

The story of Sandoval traces his time from when he was arrested, the continuous torture, the twelve months in a concentration camp, through to his immigration to New Zealand where he set up a new life with his partner and baby.  All in a country in which he couldn't speak the native language.

Sandoval's demons from the torture and time in prison are vividly relived when he had a chance meeting with his torturer many years later, and when he visited the concentration camp with his family.

These events are described in detail in the book with Sandoval's past fears, emotions and tears exposed for all to see.

The book is an open and honest statement from Sandoval about how he sees the world. Like the man in person, the writings in this book hold no punches.

Sandoval says it like he sees it and gives detailed recaps of his times in Chile through to his dealings with New Zealand cycling administrators.

At times Sandoval's approach to challenging situations leaves you wondering if it was the right way to get the job done, and whether he has considered the impact on others' future dealing with him, but when you reflect on what Sandoval has achieved during his new life in New Zealand you can't help but admire his determination.

While most of his time these days is spent organising the two tours, Sandoval, who received the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2006, also uses his haunting experiences in Chile and his own life transformation to motivate and inspire inmates at the Rimutaka prison.   

As the cover of the book says, there are some stories from which there is no escape.

If you want to understand Sandoval and why he's driven to run New Zealand's elite cycle tours you should get your own copy of Surviving Pinochet and read his story.

Purchase your own copy online at http://www.survivingpinochet.com/ 

The NZCT Womens Tour of New Zealand starts in the Wairarapa on Wednesday 24 February.  Follow RoadCycling.co.nz for full coverage of this Jorge Sandoval event and if you see one of us over at the tour come and ask us for a copy of Surviving Pinochet - we have two copies to give away.

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