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by Mark Wellings (Author), Graeme Obree (Foreword by)
The early 21st century has been a golden age for British track cycling, with world championship glory for the likes of Chris Hoy, Bradley Wiggins and Victoria Pendleton, and Olympic medals galore.
Tracing the origins of this phenomenal success story, Mark Wellings delves into cycling's chaotic and colourful past to chronicle the rise of the sport through the story of Herne Hill Velodrome, the iconic south London venue. 125 years on from the inaugural race, Herne Hill has played host to many of the most significant moments in British cycling history, from the first Good Friday Meeting in 1903 to the 1948 London Olympics and later the first track rides of a twelveyear- old Wiggins. Writer and historian Wellings, a Herne Hill regular with rare behind-the-scenes access, brings these events vividly to life, while also exploring the lives of those involved, such as 'Champion of Champions' Fausto Coppi, the legendary rivals Tommy Godwin and Reg Harris, the tragic figure of Tom Simpson and the fascinating Graeme Obree. Drawing on exclusive interviews with key figures and featuring many previously unpublished photographs, Ride! Ride! Ride! is a thrilling circuit of track cycling's history, the story of a unique venue, and a tale of British achievement against all the odds.Author Biography
Mark Wellings is a publisher, writer and historian. Born and raised in north-west England, he spent a decade living and working abroad before settling with his family in south-east London - a short ride from Herne Hill Velodrome. A lifelong cyclist, he fell in love with the track the first time he took his young son there and has not looked back: he is now a regular volunteer, spectator and occasional participant. He loves taking his Italian road bikes on iconic rides around Europe, but is usually to be found at the back of the pack on Sunday rides with VC Londres. A risible wheel-sucker, he still dreams of having a double-jump like Reg Harris.
