Mark would like to express his gratitude to the following people, invaluable contributors either to the execution of this book or to the story at its heart:
Delilah, my angel and the centre of my universe.
Peta, the woman who changed my life and continues to make it better every day with her love and support.
Finnbar, my step-son, who embraced and accepted me to the point of getting interested in cycling!
The family whose love has been unfaltering, even if its target has sometimes been hard to reach.
Simon Bayliff, who changed my life professionally, and everyone else at Wasserman.
Rod, who at times has been caught in a tug o’ war, but whose loyalty has remained unwavering and inspirational.
Patrick Lefevere for giving me the opportunity to ride for a fantastic Omega Pharma–Quick-Step team.
Andrew Goodfellow and Liz Marvin at Ebury, and David Luxton at David Luxton Associates.
Daniel Friebe, without whose patience and persistence this book could never have come into being.
Rob Hayles, for his professionalism, his humour and his inability or unwillingness to break a partnership born on that incredible 2005 day in Los Angeles.
Finally, the national and trade teammates who have earned the victories, the records and the accolades every bit as much as the cocky Manxman who was first across the line.