In Pursuit of Glory: The Autobiography [Hardcover]

The first thing to say is I enjoyed this book a lot - I mean it was the one I keep picking up in preference to any of the others in the stack! Is this because I am a bike-nut? Well, I will try to be objective...

Mr. Wiggins gives a brave and honest account of his life - in particular he gives a frank account of his relationship with his father who walked out and lost all contact when Bradley was a mere three years old, an act the 'father' had performed with a former wife and child and would repeat a third time. This same father, a tough Aussie, did leave his mark though - as a cycling legend there is no doubting where Brad got his inspiration and perhaps his talent also. Certainly a mixed blessing - even the 'suspicious' death of Gary Wiggins adds weight to his son's emotional burden.

Brad is also open about his prolonged bout of drinking following his gold medal win in Athens. So certainly a life with bumps. To balance all the negative aspects he can credit the English half of his family for their support and the affection he shares with his own wife and kids.

And all of this is important as it becomes clear - at the top of sporting achievement mental strength and well-being are as important as their physical counterparts.

There are a few insights into the complex world of cycling (Bradley is involved in both road and track racing) and the magical set-up of Team UK. A little too much of race schedules - which won't mean much to anyone not present. And a little too much of thanking people - touching, but reads like an extended acceptance speech!

Cycling is not, thankfully, a dull sport! The book is saved by capturing sufficient of the build-up and the actual race tension.

Of course the question I wanted an answer to was why the two gold medals from Beijing was not three? That may seem mean, but Wiggins was chosen for three events with good reason, in fact it would have been unreasonable had he not been selected for all three, and all expectations were for three golds. But equally, in the circumstances, is it reasonable to expect one individual to produce world-beating times day after day after day? And if the Olympics want to show the best athletes can produce, is this the way to organize things? In any case, Wiggins is certainly entitled to his defense - if ever winning only two gold medals needs one!

I wanted to know the character of Bradley Wiggins better and this book, despite its limitations, obliged. His reputation may not glitter like some, but as a working-class boy who never claims to be more than an average bloke he has achieved one hell of a lot, and I will keep on applauding him for that.

Some of the photos are pretty cool too!

With Wiggins the favourite for the yellow jersey this year - and not knowing that much about him - I decided to buy this.
He's a fascinating, complex character and the book touches on some of his traits - the problems with his father, the post-Olympic, beer-fuelled comedown. There's an honesty, which is refreshing and for the most part I enjoyed it.
But the book is patchy, with not that much effort or planning put into it - in marked contrast to the reality of a pro cyclist's life.I suppose you are at the mercy of the ghost.
An ordinary man with extraordinary gifts (and sideburns), Wiggins is undeniably a sporting great; if he wins the Tour this year, let's hope we see a book that matches his achievements.

First off, Brad's achievements are extraordinary. No doubt. Hat's off to all he has (and will continue to) achieve.

What's disappointing is how well those achievements are conveyed in this book which, to my mind, is just an uninspiring factual account of Brad's races. It reads more like a wikipedia chronology page than anything more immersive.

The problem is a lack of depth - there is very little time given over to understanding his character, his opinions, his feelings, his regimes, his aspirations. You finish not really thinking you know more about the real un-retouched Bradley Wiggins.

And what's really disappointing (and inexcusable) is the number of mistakes in the book - not obvious ones like forgetting to mention a gold medal or two - but typographical ones. How many times can you read Time Trail without wanting to throw the book at the wall (for the benefit of the publisher, it's Time Trial).