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

by William Fotheringham, Will Fotheringham
Put Me Back On My Bike: In Search of Tom Simpson cover
Good Books rating 4.5
Biography and Memoir
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  • ID: 6097
  • Added: 2025-11-01
  • Updated: 2025-11-01
  • ISBN: 9780224061872
  • Publisher: Random House
  • Published: 2003-01-01
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

Tom Simpson was an Olympic medallist, world champion, and the first Briton to wear the fabled yellow jersey of the Tour de France. His tragic death on the barren moonscape of Mont Ventoux during the 1967 Tour de France left an indelible mark on the sport. Almost 35 years later, hundreds of fans still make the pilgrimage to the windswept memorial marking the spot where he died. This book delves into the life and legacy of a cycling icon, capturing the essence of his impact on the sport and the enduring admiration of his fans./n/nThe narrative not only recounts Simpson's remarkable achievements but also explores the circumstances surrounding his untimely demise. It serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost of pursuing excellence in sports, blending personal drama with historical significance. The book is a must-read for cycling enthusiasts and anyone interested in the intersection of sports history and personal tragedy.

Reviews
Baking Thad Books · 2017-07-16
brilliant 4.50

Fotheringham's biography is brilliant, well-written, and warm, capturing Simpson's charm and charisma. It's an unflinching look at a complex and captivating figure.

William Fotheringham's biography of Tom Simpson is brilliant, well-written, and warm, capturing the essence of Simpson's charm and charisma. The book is an unflinching look at a complex and captivating figure, offering a deep dive into his life and career. The author's writing style is engaging and thoughtful, making it a compelling read for anyone interested in cycling history. The narrative is both informative and emotionally resonant, providing a comprehensive portrait of Simpson that goes beyond the surface.

Quick quotes

    Fotheringham's biography is brilliant – well written, warm, and unflinching. You'll find yourself seduced by Simpson's charm and charisma.

    The book is a great story well written, whether or not you know about Tom Simpson you will likely enjoy this book.

    The manner of his subject's death hangs like a pall over William Fotheringham's superb biography of brilliant but ill-starred British cyclist Tom Simpson, which ...

The Guardian · Matt Seaton · 2005-06-29
compelling 4.50

The Guardian's cycling correspondent, William Fotheringham, delivers a compelling and well-researched biography that captures the essence of Tom Simpson's life and legacy.

In this compelling and well-researched biography, William Fotheringham captures the essence of Tom Simpson's life and legacy. The Guardian's cycling correspondent provides a detailed and engaging narrative that delves into the complexities of Simpson's character and his impact on the sport. The book is a must-read for anyone interested in cycling history, offering a comprehensive and insightful look at one of the sport's most iconic figures. Fotheringham's writing is both informative and emotionally resonant, making it a compelling read for both casual and avid cycling enthusiasts.

Quick quotes

    The Guardian's own cycling correspondent, William Fotheringham, is ...

    The manner of his subject's death hangs like a pall over William Fotheringham's superb biography of brilliant but ill-starred British cyclist Tom Simpson, which ...

    William Fotheringham's ever-popular Put Me Back On My Bike: In Search of Tom Simpson remains an excellent read, as does The Badger: Bernard Hinault and the Fall ...

CyclingNews · 2003-01-01
poignant 4.50

The biography is a superb exploration of Tom Simpson's life and tragic death, capturing both his brilliance and the ill-starred nature of his career. The manner of his death casts a shadow over the narrative, making it a poignant read.

This biography is a superb exploration of Tom Simpson's life and tragic death. The author captures both the brilliance of Simpson's career and the ill-starred nature of his journey. The manner of his death hangs like a pall over the narrative, making it a poignant and deeply moving read. The book delves into the complexities of Simpson's character, his achievements, and the circumstances surrounding his untimely demise. It's a compelling blend of sports history and personal tragedy that will resonate with readers.

Quick quotes

    The manner of his subject's death hangs like a pall over William Fotheringham's superb biography of brilliant but ill-starred British cyclist Tom Simpson, which ...

    William Fotheringham's ever-popular Put Me Back On My Bike: In Search of Tom Simpson remains an excellent read, as does The Badger: Bernard Hinault and the Fall ...

    Simpson was as much a victim of the woeful state of sport science at the time and the brutal schedule pro racers endured as of his own burning ...

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