Triumphs and Turbulence, Chris Boardman
Triumphs and Turbulence, Chris Boardman
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Triumphs and Turbulence
My Autobiography

Author: Chris Boardman

Narrator: Joe McGann

Unabridged: 8 hr 45 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Publisher: Ebury Digital

Published: 06/02/2016


Synopsis

‘The true inspiration was that Olympic gold won by Chris Boardman in Barcelona… I was so in awe of Chris Boardman’ Sir Bradley Wiggins

You may know him as the much-loved co-presenter of ITV’s Tour de France coverage or enjoyed his BBC Olympic coverage, but beyond the easy charm Chris Boardman is one of our greatest, most inspiring cyclists.

Boardman’s lone achievements in the 80s and 90s – Olympic track gold, the world hour record, repeatedly claiming the yellow jersey in the Tour de France – were the spark that started the modern era for British cycling. His endeavours both on and off the bike have made him the founding father of current golden generation – without him there would simply be no Hoy, Wiggins or Cavendish.

It is a story full of intrigue: from Olympic success, to the famous duels with Graeme Obree and the insanity of the Tour de France. Chris became a legend for his combination of physical ability and technical preparation, almost single-handedly taking British cycling from wool shirts and cloth caps into the era of marginal gains. Indeed, after his career on the bike ended, a new chapter began as the backroom genius behind GB cycling. As head of the R&D team known as The Secret Squirrel Club, Chris has been responsible for the technical innovations that made the difference in 2012 and developed Boardman Bikes, which has become the country's bestselling premium bike range.

Reviews

Goodreads review by Gumble's Yard - Golden Reviewer on January 05, 2017

Self-deprecating and insightful autobiography – perhaps stronger on things like the “Secret Squirrel” role, his lack of self-confidence and struggles with post-success (after both the Olympic medal, hour record and Tour prologue) than on his professional career (which, other than prologue victories......more

Goodreads review by John on June 06, 2019

I really really enjoyed reading this book and learnt a lot too as I hadn’t realised how successful and pioneering CB has been. I love cycling, which helps and I love stories of the old days... particularly the development of GB cycling nd how it’s gone from nothing to Amazing... and CB was a key pla......more

Goodreads review by Hannah on July 19, 2019

Fantastic book, great insight into Chris’s cycling career and behind the scenes in British cycling. Really enjoyed the writing style and the stories. Unfortunately a story had me silently crying laughing at a hotel breakfast yesterday which caused a waiter to ask if I was upset.... Highly recommend......more

Goodreads review by Rauno on September 25, 2024

Wouldn't have wanted to be his partner in the pro cyclist days, but Boardman is a wonderful athlete and cycling advocate and I thoroughly enjoyed the insight from this, especially the Secret Squirrel Club stuff.......more

Goodreads review by Ivor on February 20, 2018

Rarely did it grip forcing me to keep reading. Some parts are better than the others. For me the second half focusing on his career after active pro cycling was more interesting. Overall quite flat. At times feels like just a bit more that his Wikipedia page.......more


Quotes

A genuinely humble man who, over the last thirty years, has played a pivotal role in the success story of British cycling


Awards

  • Cross Sports Book Awards - Cycling Book of the Year