The breakaway: my story

Most retirement speeches are times when thanks are given, and happy memories are shared. Not in the case of Nicole Cooke. After a hugely successful career that had seen her achieve everything that cycling had to offer, one of the UK's top cyclists took the opportunity to condemn Lance Armstrong, Tyler Hamilton and other dopers who had profited from their cheating at the time, stealing the careers of those who refused to dope, and were now profiting again from their confessions. With the steely determination and clear focus that she had shown throughout her career, Cooke spoke out against the hypocrisy that continues to damage her sport.Now, in her inspirational and frank memoir, Cooke reveals how she fought against the odds to reach the top in cycling. She explains how women cyclists were often overlooked, as funds were channelled towards the men, but shows how with determination and skill anyone can still achieve their goals. For anyone who wants to understand the truth about cycling, or who has followed their dream, Nicole Cooke's remarkable story is an unmissable read.