Tom Simpson: Bird On The Wire WINNER OF THE WILLIAM HILL SPORTS BOOK OF THE YEAR 2017

WINNER OF THE WILLIAM HILL SPORTS BOOK OF THE YEAR 2017 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 of Simpson, this book explores the Briton's feats and complexities through untold stories from those closest to him. Main protagonists and interviews: Jan Janssen, Raymond Poulidor, Gianni Motta, Barry Hoban, Emile Daems, Brian Robinson, Vin Denson, Helen Hoban, Joanne Simpson, Henri Duez, Charly Wegelius, Dave Bonner, Billy Holmes, Keith Butler, Pete Ryalls and Professor Greg Whyte OBE.

About the Author :
Andy McGrath is the managing editor of Rouleur Magazine, having previously worked at Cycling Weekly and Cycle Sport, he has also written on cycling for The Guardian and Financial Times.He is the co-author of Official Treasures of the Tour de France and has contributed chapters to several volumes of The Cycling Anthology.

Review :
Very well written and looks fabulous A fascinating and insightful read As the marvellous collection of photographs shows, Simpson was so completely dedicated to his sport, he was head and shoulders above his domestic rivals This book’s principle focus is, as it should be, on his riding, the photography supplementing an extraordinary tale This book is the latest to give a well-illustrated insight into the life as a professional cyclist in that era ... but above all the beautiful presentation of existing and new images sets this book apart from any previous work. Superbly illustrated tribute From his early life in the north of England to that tragic day in the Alps via his years of great success on the continent, Simpson’s story is candidly chronicled by close friends, teammates and family. The book is also accompanied by some phenomenal photography. This beautifully produced tome about one of British cycling’s most revered heroes is a brilliant insight into the charismatic and impulsive Tom Simpson, illustrated with over 130 captivating photographs. Cyclist Simpson was the first Briton to win the men’s World Championships and to wear the yellow leader’s jersey at the Tour de France, but his achievements have been overshadowed by his dramatic death on Mount Ventoux during the 1967 Tour. In this book, McGrath redresses the balance. Tom Simpson won over the judges with the elegance of its presentation, particularly some fine period photography. tells Simpson’s story and illustrates it with rare photographs from the era.