Many people made this book possible, giving of their time and knowledge with generosity and goodwill. I’m grateful to the British Library, particularly Darren Townend, for providing me with access to their archives of Procycling (2007–2013) and Cycle Sport (2007–2013); to Paul Johnson and staff at ITV Sport; to Abby Burton at British Cycling and Chris Haynes at Team Sky; to Professor Paul Hagan and Michael Barrett; and to Toni Williams at St John’s College, Johannesburg.
Special thanks to John-Lee Augustyn, Michael Barry, Sir Dave Brailsford, Claudio Corti, Steve Cummings, Doug Dailey, David Kinjah, Allan Laing, Andrew McLean, John Robertson, Michel Thèze, Conrad Venter and Sean Yates for their time and insight.
The following books were helpful: My Time by Bradley Wiggins; Sky’s the Limit by Richard Moore; 21 Days to Glory by Sarah Edworthy and Scott Mitchell; Mountain High by Daniel Friebe and Pete Goding; Tour de France by Graeme Fife.
Thanks to my agent Kevin Pocklington and to my editor Alison Rae and everyone at Birlinn.
I’m especially grateful to Graeme Fife for his constancy as a friend and his tirelessly creative help, encouragement and good humour.
Thanks and love to my mum Cathy, sister Carol and the Macdonald clan of Largs: Hector, Ellie, Freya and Evan.
Were it not for the unstinting love and support of Lesley Allan none of this would have been possible and this book would not exist. Thanks, Les!