Tom Simpson: Bird on the Wire

Author: Andy McGrath, Andrews, Darling, Hayes, Saunders, Izaak, Rapha Racing Ltd., Blumire, Mottram and Rapha Editions

A biography of British cycling's greatest icon Tom Simpson, guided by rare photography and untold stories from those closest to him, with a foreword by Sir Bradley Wiggins.

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Summary

A biography of British cycling's greatest icon Tom Simpson, guided by rare photography and untold stories from those closest to him, with a foreword by Sir Bradley Wiggins.

Description

Tom Simpson is British Cycling's greatest icon. Fifty years after he conquered the continental sporting scene, he still captivates people around the world. After his dramatic death on Mont Ventoux during the 1967 Tour de France, amphetamines and alcohol were found in his system, a fact which often dwarfs his pioneering achievements. From a humble upbringing in a Nottinghamshire mining town, Simpson became the first Briton to win the elite men's World Championships and to wear the Tour de France's yellow jersey. He also took victory at Milan-Sanremo, the Tour of Flanders and the Tour of Lombardy, three of cycling's most prestigious races. A charismatic and impulsive character, Simpson lived life fast, with a penchant for spectacular racing, sports cars and fanciful dreams. This man of contradictions was both people's champion and pariah, gentleman and rogue. Guided by rare photography, this book explores the Briton's feats and complexities through untold stories from those closest to him.The foundation of the book is some never-before published and rare photography of Simpson alongside the text. It also includes personal photographs, newspaper articles and magazine covers. Of the 130 images at least half are unique to this book.

About the Author

Andy McGrath is a London-based cycling journalist and the editor of Rouleur Magazine. He has worked at Cycling Weekly and Cycle Sport, and written for The Guardian, The Financial Times and others. He co-authored the 'Official Treasures of the Tour de France' and edited the Rouleur publication 'Merckx: The Greates'.