I can't remember the title, which may have been as simple as 'Cycling', but the most interesting cycling book I have read (among the very few, so not saying much) was basically a training manual, I think perhaps published by UCI (?). Mine was a large format, maybe 10" by 12" paperback about 5/8" thick with a sky blue cover.
It was very convolutedly translated from Italian to English. I remember in particular one sentence which went something like: "The rider should control the exterior surfaces of the tubular, inspecting for foreign objects which may render its efficiency precarious whilst racing."
Anyone else ever run across this one?