📖 Overview
William Fotheringham is a British sports journalist and author who has specialized in cycling journalism since 1988. He is particularly known for his comprehensive biographies of major cycling figures and his extensive coverage of the Tour de France.
As a journalist, Fotheringham worked as the cycling correspondent for The Guardian newspaper and has covered over 25 Tours de France. His books include acclaimed biographies of cycling legends Eddy Merckx, Tom Simpson, and Bernard Hinault, as well as comprehensive histories of the Tour de France and other major cycling events.
Beyond biographical works, Fotheringham has written technical and historical books about cycling including "Cyclopedia: It's All About the Bike" and "Dancing on the Pedals: The Found Poetry of Phil Liggett, Voice of Cycling." His work combines detailed research with firsthand knowledge of professional cycling gained through decades of reporting.
His writing has helped document and preserve important cycling history while making it accessible to English-speaking audiences. Fotheringham's books are considered authoritative references on their subjects within cycling literature.
👀 Reviews
Readers appreciate Fotheringham's thorough research and insider knowledge of professional cycling, particularly in his biographies of Eddy Merckx and Tom Simpson. Multiple reviews note his balanced approach to controversial subjects and ability to explain complex racing tactics to newcomers.
Fans highlight his attention to historical detail and interview access to key cycling figures. On Amazon, readers frequently mention the quality of his storytelling in "Put Me Back on My Bike" and "Half Man, Half Bike."
Critics point out occasional repetition between books and what some see as a British-centric perspective on continental cycling. A few reviews mention dry stretches in race descriptions.
Ratings across platforms:
Goodreads: 3.9/5 average across all books
Amazon UK: 4.3/5 average
Amazon US: 4.2/5 average
Most reviewed titles:
"Put Me Back on My Bike" - 4.4/5 (1,200+ reviews)
"Half Man, Half Bike" - 4.3/5 (800+ reviews)
"Sunday in Hell" - 4.1/5 (500+ reviews)
📚 Books by William Fotheringham
Put Me Back on My Bike - A biography of cyclist Tom Simpson, examining his career and tragic death on Mont Ventoux during the 1967 Tour de France.
Fallen Angel: The Passion of Fausto Coppi - A biographical account of Italian cycling champion Fausto Coppi's life, achievements, and controversies.
Merckx: Half Man, Half Bike - A detailed biography of Belgian cyclist Eddy Merckx, covering his racing career and dominance in professional cycling.
Sunday in Hell - An examination of the 1976 Paris-Roubaix cycling race and the making of Jørgen Leth's documentary film about the event.
Racing Hard - A collection of cycling journalism covering major races and personalities from the 1990s to the 2010s.
Roule Britannia - A history of British cyclists in the Tour de France, from the early pioneers to modern competitors.
A Century of Cycling - A chronological history of the major events and figures in professional cycling during the 20th century.
Cyclopedia - An alphabetical compilation of cycling history, culture, and terminology.
Bernard Hinault and the Fall and Rise of French Cycling - A biography of five-time Tour de France winner Bernard Hinault and his impact on French cycling.
Fallen Angel: The Passion of Fausto Coppi - A biographical account of Italian cycling champion Fausto Coppi's life, achievements, and controversies.
Merckx: Half Man, Half Bike - A detailed biography of Belgian cyclist Eddy Merckx, covering his racing career and dominance in professional cycling.
Sunday in Hell - An examination of the 1976 Paris-Roubaix cycling race and the making of Jørgen Leth's documentary film about the event.
Racing Hard - A collection of cycling journalism covering major races and personalities from the 1990s to the 2010s.
Roule Britannia - A history of British cyclists in the Tour de France, from the early pioneers to modern competitors.
A Century of Cycling - A chronological history of the major events and figures in professional cycling during the 20th century.
Cyclopedia - An alphabetical compilation of cycling history, culture, and terminology.
Bernard Hinault and the Fall and Rise of French Cycling - A biography of five-time Tour de France winner Bernard Hinault and his impact on French cycling.