British cycling has a long history and is deeply entwined within the national psyche. The history british cyclists has endured numerous peaks and troughs but continues to flourish today. This incredible book tells the story of a nation’s love affair with bicycles, from the primitive wood-and-iron velocipedes that first arrived in Britain in the early 1800s to the modern high-performance bikes ridden by the world’s best cyclists.

The book begins with a fascinating account of the first organised race, which took place in 1886 in Nottingham. The event was a major milestone in the development of cycling in Britain, as it marked the first time that the sport had been run under formal rules. This race would be a precursor to future organised racing events such as the Tour de France and Giro D’Italia.

In the years following this landmark event, cycling’s popularity exploded across the country. By the end of the nineteenth century, over 80% of British children rode to school, and over a million Britons owned a bike. However, the newfound popularity of cycling was not without its problems. The most significant problem was the issue of road safety, and this is where the first governing body in Britain, the National Cyclists’ Union (NCU), came into play.

When the NCU started a crackdown on cycle use by attempting to ban races on open roads, they were met with a fierce backlash from cycling enthusiasts. One such enthusiast was Walter McGregor Robinson, better known as Wayfarer. In 1919, Wayfarer wrote a famous article in Cycling magazine recounting his trek with fellow members of the Anfield Bicycle Club across the Berwyn mountains in North Wales. The article inspired a generation of cyclists to take to the rougher paths and to ride their bikes to places off the beaten track. Cycling fans will also be interested to read about the digital wallet gaming.

In 1942, Percy Stallard decided to organise a race from Llangollen to Wolverhampton in defiance of the NCU’s ban on road racing. His refusal to kowtow to the NCU caused them to suspend him and his fellow competitors, setting the scene for the founding of the rival British League of Racing Cyclists. The BLRC went on to battle with the NCU until they merged in 1959.

In the twenty-first century, British Cycling has continued to evolve with the latest technology, working closely with companies such as Nike and McLaren Group to improve bike design. This has helped to propel the team to success in some of the world’s biggest races. From Geraint Thomas’s 2019 win in the Tour de France to Mark Cavendish’s coveted Green Jersey, and Sir Bradley Wiggins’ six Olympic gold medals, this extraordinary book will fascinate any fan of this much-loved sport. It is the perfect gift for any cycling fan and can be personalised with an embossed name on the stunning leather cover, making it even more special.