Put Me Back on My Bike

by William Fotheringham
Put Me Back on My Bike cover
Good Books rating 4.23
Biography and Memoir
Buy online
Amazon
Format/Price Check
Technical
  • ID: 6285
  • Added: 2025-11-09
  • Updated: 2025-11-09
  • ISBN: 9780224080187
  • Publisher: Random House
  • Published: 2007-01-01
  • Reviews: 3

Put Me Back on My Bike offers an in-depth look at the extraordinary life of Tom Simpson, a cyclist who captured the hearts of many despite his controversies. From his Olympic medal wins to his historic Tour de France achievements, Simpson's career was marked by both brilliance and scandal. The book examines his admission to using banned drugs and accusations of race-fixing, yet highlights how he inspired awe and affection among fans and peers alike. /n/n Beyond the race track, the book explores Simpson's impact on the sport of cycling and his lasting legacy. It provides a nuanced portrait of a complex figure whose life and death continue to resonate within the cycling community and beyond.

Reviews
Bike Forums · Various · 2025-11-09
insightful 4.20

The book left readers with a deeper understanding and sympathy for Tom Simpson. It is praised for its insightful and moving portrayal.

This book has left a lasting impression on readers, many of whom have expressed a deeper understanding and sympathy for Tom Simpson after reading it. The insightful and moving portrayal of Simpson's life is particularly noted, with readers appreciating the author's ability to capture both the highs and lows of Simpson's career. The book is not just a biography but a journey through the life of a man who was both a hero and a deeply flawed individual. Readers have found the book to be both informative and emotionally resonant, making it a standout in the genre of sports biographies. It's a book that will stay with readers long after they've turned the last page.

Quick quotes

    Left me with much more sympathy and understanding for Tom Simpson.

    A journey through the life of a man who was both a hero and a deeply flawed individual.

    An insightful and moving portrayal of Simpson's life.

Cycling News · 2025-11-09
poignant 4.50

The biography captures the brilliance and tragedy of Tom Simpson's life. It is a well-researched and poignant account of a cyclist who was both talented and flawed.

This biography is a profound exploration of Tom Simpson's life, capturing both his brilliance and his tragic end. The author delves deep into Simpson's character, portraying him as a complex figure who was both a hero and a deeply flawed individual. The narrative is rich with detail and emotion, making it a compelling read for anyone interested in cycling history. The manner of Simpson's death looms over the book, adding a layer of tragedy that is both haunting and poignant. It's a story that will leave readers with a deeper understanding of the man behind the legend.

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.

    A poignant account of a cyclist who was both talented and flawed.

    The narrative is rich with detail and emotion, making it a compelling read.

Goodreads · Various · 620-02-20
engaging 4.00

Readers appreciate the depth of research and the engaging storytelling. The book is praised for its vivid portrayal of Simpson's life and career.

This book has garnered a lot of praise from readers who appreciate the depth of research and the engaging storytelling. The vivid portrayal of Tom Simpson's life and career is particularly highlighted, with many readers feeling a deeper connection to the cyclist after reading this biography. The book is not just a retelling of Simpson's achievements but also an exploration of the man behind the legend. Readers have noted that the author's ability to weave together historical context with personal anecdotes makes the book both informative and deeply engaging. It's a must-read for anyone interested in cycling history or biographies of sports figures.

Quick quotes

    The best cycling biography ever written.

    An intelligent, perceptive portrait.

    A compelling read that captures the essence of Tom Simpson's life.

Appears in Lists