History matters in sport as in all other walks of life, because there are figures and events that simply should not be forgotten, and which should be recorded for posterity. Each one of my books looks back to cycling’s past, and while writing each one of them, I’ve learned something else: history matters because it gives us a context in which to view today’s world.
Tom Simpson’s story mattered in the 21st century because of the contortions the sport had gone through over doping when I wrote Put Me Back On My Bike in 2002. Fausto Coppi’s life offered a way of explaining the traditions of Italian cycling; Eddy Merckx’s the nature of precisely what defines greatness in our sport, and Bernard Hinault’s career gave perspective to the struggles of French cyclists in the “two-speed cycling era”.
Delving deeper
Like pretty much everyone with a knowledge of British cycling history I thought I ‘knew’ Beryl Burton: time trialling great, multiple record holder, seven times world champion. I knew, of course, of the stories that have become part of the Burton legend: the long hours of toil in her clubmate Nim Carline’s market garden, and her greatest achievement, taking the men’s 12-hour record in 1967, and doing so by beating the then men’s Best All-Rounder Mike McNamara. I’d read her book, Personal Best, and seen Maxine Peake’s fantastic play, Beryl.
Like all champions, and like all those I have written about before, there was Burton was equally adept at road and track racing more to Burton than met the eye. Every biography is a process of discovery. So in writing this one I learned about the 11-plus exam, which she failed, to dire effect; rheumatic fever, which could have appalling consequences; and delved deeper into what was clearly a troubled childhood.
This story is from the September 12, 2019 edition of CYCLING WEEKLY.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the September 12, 2019 edition of CYCLING WEEKLY.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Giant TCR Composite Gold
If this bike looks opulent, over the top and über-bling now, imagine the reaction of the bike-buying public 22 years ago when it was unveiled as a special limited edition made with real gold plate and costing the unthinkable sum of $10,000.
WATT WORKS FOR ME Kasia Niewiadoma
The Tour of Flanders runner-up talks lost bikes, altitude training and strength workouts
BREWING A BOOST
Coffee and cycling may be inextricably linked, but does the black stuff really improve our performance on the bike? Lexie Williamson investigates
Soto Helix Coffee Maker - £21.95
I really love the minimalism of this coffee brewer. It's a pour over stripped to its bare essentials: a conical spring that can hold a paper filter, and then compresses nearly flat when not in use.
Stanley Classic Perfect-Brew Pour Over
The Stanley Perfect-Brew Pour Over is the second simplest coffee maker on test, beaten only by the incredibly minimalist Soto Helix.
GSI Mini Espresso Set 1 Cup - £51.50
Starting off with the coffee makers that require a heat source, we have the GSI Outdoors Mini Espresso Set 1 Cup.
How do I up my coffee game?
How does the average Joe make the perfect mug of Joe? We sent Joe Baker to find out
THE HUB
All the news you might have missed from the last seven days
GOING FULL BEANS
Most cyclists enjoy a decent coffee, but some take it a step further. CW meets five self-declared obsessives who have pushed their twin passions, bikes and beans, to the nth degree
A love affair
Coffee connoisseur Adam Becket delves into the storied yet mysterious relationship between cycling and the original energy drink