Tom Simpson
Tom Simpson: Bird on the Wire
by Andy McGrath
Winner – 2017 William Hill Sports Book of the Year
Winner – 2018 Sports Book Awards, Cycling Book of the Year
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 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.
“This book’s principle focus is, as it should be, on his riding, the photography supplementing an extraordinary tale”
“Very well written and looks fabulous”
“A fascinating and insightful read”
“A beautifully written and designed book that brings a new dimension to a much covered cyclist thanks to some fantastic imagery and insightful writing”
“As the marvellous collection of photographs shows, Simpson was so completely dedicated to his sport, he was head and shoulders above his domestic rivals”
Special Edition
“Rarely does a book meet its aim so perfectly. Innovative design, scrupulous research and stunning photography complement each other superbly to produce Andy McGrath’s outstanding and startlingly intimate portrait of a British sporting icon”
Special Edition
“This is not only a fantastic read, but also a highly covetable object. With it’s combination of an extraordinary subject matter paired with beautifully written prose, bold design and imagery, it offers the ultimate reading experience”
Special Edition
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.
Foreword by Sir Bradley Wiggins.
Author biography
Andy McGrath is a London-based cycling journalist and the editor of Rouleur magazine. He has worked at Cycling Weekly and Cycle Sport, and written for The Guardian, The Financial Times and others. He co-authored the Official Treasures of the Tour de France and edited the Rouleur publication “Merckx: The Greatest”.
More information on the award here
Interview with Andy McGrath here
Specification
| Dimensions | 280 x 245mm |
| Pagination | 224 pages on 170gsm GardaMatt ULTRA |
| Images and text | 5 colour printed with one PMS |
| Cover | Wrapped with white Imitlin Fiandra 2 colour foil stamping on front and spine. Tip-in image to back cover. Hardback, sewn sections, round spine, H&T bands |
| Endpapers | Printed with image and sealer varnish on 140 gsm white uncoated paper |
| Published | 2017 by Rapha Editions |
| ISBN | 978-1-912164-01-1 |