It's a bit of a disingenuous title really. Sure, at the start of the book Laurent is young, and apparently quite carefree. But pretty soon he grows up and becomes troubled - chiefly by physical injuries, but also by spats with his boss, directeur sportif Cyrille Guimard.
Fignon's tone is nostalgic, his book a lament for his own glittering youth (after two Tour de France victories in 1983 and 84 he looked set to join cycling's true greats), and for a lost world of aggressive, spectacular bike racing before EPO levelled the pro peloton and allowed lesser riders to challenge the most naturally talented.
Very French, very different from anything by Lance Armstrong, the book is honest and frank - even if a tad melodramatic (violins out monsieur) at times. Fignon's moving account of his waning form and eventual decision to quit cycling reminded me of Matt Seaton's book The Escape Artist.