Put Me Back on My Bike: In Search of Tom Simpson

William Fotheringham

Dec 2012 · Random House

About this ebook

Discover the story of Britain’s ultimate cyclist and his ill-fated race during the 1967 Tour de France, from the bestselling author of Half Man Half Bike

Tom Simpson was an Olympic medallist, world champion and the first Briton to wear the fabled yellow jersey of the Tour de France. He died a tragic early death during the 1967 Tour. A man of contradictions, Simpson was one of the first cyclists to admit to using banned drugs, and was accused of fixing races, yet the dapper 'Major Tom' inspired awe and affection for the obsessive will to win which was ultimately to cost him his life.

Put Me Back on My Bike revisits the places and people associated with Simpson to produce the definitive story of Britain's greatest ever cyclist. The fully revised and updated edition of William Fotheringham's classic biography features a new foreword and postscript further exploring the truth behind the legend.

‘The best cycling biography ever written' Velo
‘A beautiful explanation of why Simpson's legend still exerts such a powerful hold’ Sunday Times

Ratings and reviews

Well paced, simply written but provides a good perspective on a legendary rider.

About the author

William Fotheringham writes for the Guardian and Observer on cycling and rugby. A racing cyclist and launch editor of Procycling and Cycle Sport magazines, he has reported on over twenty Tours de France. He is the critically lauded author of Fallen Angel, Roule Britannia, and Put Me Back on My Bike, which Vélo magazine called 'The best cycling biography ever written', and the bestselling biography of Eddy Merckx.