Cycling is currently enjoying a boom in popularity. What are the reasons behind this phenomenon? How have perceptions and the popularity of cycling shifted? This book charts the historical development of cycling both as a leisure and sporting activity since the 19th century and explores the wider political and cultural context in which cycling in Britain emerged. In particular, it examines cycling's relationship with environmental politics and its place in popular culture. Neil Carter successfully traverses several historical sub-disciplines, including the history of transport, leisure, sport, medicine and politics, employing the analytical tools of class, gender, political culture, the role of the state and commercialism to demonstrate how British identity has shaped and been shaped by cycling. At a time when it has become part of debates over transport and health, Cycling and the British: A Modern History provides a timely and clear analysis of the changes and continuities in attitudes towards cycling.

In 1868, the first ever documented bicycle race was held in a Paris park, and to the locals' chagrin, was won by a Briton. Yet while cycling culture became ingrained in continental European culture, riders this side of the Channel were engaged in constant battles with the authorities to pursue their sport - road racing was in fact banned as early as 1890. Its rise in popularity over the past 150 years, and the many triumphs of British cyclists in that time, have therefore been phenomenal. Never before has the full story of the sport been documented in one book, and in Great British Cycling, Ellis Bacon guides you through the development of our bike racing world, from weekend outings to British riders being able to compete in, then finish and win stages of the Tour de France. It takes you from cycling clubs and iconic frame-builders to a post-war explosion in cycling participation inspired by the likes of Brian Robinson, Tommy Simpson, Barry Hoban and Beryl Burton, from huge crowds witnessing the Tour of Britain and other races up and down the land to the modern era of glorious success by the likes of Mark Cavendish, Bradley Wiggins and Chris Froome. As the Tour de France returns to these shores for the fourth time, with Great Britain now firmly established at the top of the world of cycling, this is the ideal time for fans of the sport, both new and old, to explore its wonderful history.

The nearly 150-year-old sport of cycling had its first competition in France in 1868. Soon afterward, the need arose for purpose-built cycling tracks because of poor road conditions at the time. Racing on blocked off pieces of street or grass soon evolved into racing on special tracks called velodromes. This development marked the split into what are still the two main forms of cycling competition: road racing and track racing. Initially, track cycling was more popular in terms of public attention and money to be earned by racers, but this gradually changed in favor of road racing, which has been the most popular form of cycling since at least the end of World War II. The Historical Dictionary of Cycling takes a closer look at the sport, as well as discussing the use of bicycles as a means of fitness, touring, and commuting. This is done through a chronology, an introductory essay, appendixes, photos, a bibliography, and over 500 cross-referenced dictionary entries on cycling's two main disciplines—road and track—as well as brief overviews of the other forms of cycling. This book is an excellent access point for students, researchers, and anyone wanting to know more about cycling.

This is a comprehensive introduction for HE students to the provision, organisation, and governance of sport in the UK. Supported by case study material, it introduces the reader to key government policies, and to the ways in which public, private and voluntary sectors provide sporting opportunities. The book focuses on issues of participation, employment, media coverage and commercialisation, and critically examines them in light of the key themes of equality and diversity. Pedagogical features – learning outcomes and learning activities – help students develop an active approach to the study of sport in the UK.

'As if Bill Bryson had taken to two wheels' - FT Somewhere in a German forest 200 years ago, during the darkest, wettest summer for centuries, the story of cycling began. The calls to ban it were more or less immediate. Re:Cyclists is the tale of the following two centuries. It tells how cycling became a kinky vaudeville act for Parisians, how it was the basis of an American business empire to rival Henry Ford's, and how it found a unique home in the British Isles. The Victorian love of cycling started with penny-farthing riders, who explored lonely roads that had been left abandoned by the coming of the railways. Then high-society took to it - in the 1980s the glittering parties of the London Season featured bicycles dancing in the ballroom, and every member of the House of Lords rode a bike. Twentieth-century cycling was very different, and even more popular. It became the sport and the pastime of millions of ordinary people who wanted to escape the city smog, or to experience the excitement of a weekend's racing. Cycling offered adventure and independence in the good times, and consolation during the war years and the Great Depression. Re:Cyclists tells the story of cycling's glories and also of its despairs, of how it only just avoided extinction in the motoring boom of the 1960s. And finally, at the dawn of the 21st century, it celebrates how cycling rose again - a little different, a lot more fashionable, but still about the same simple pleasures that it always has been: the wind in your face and the thrill of two-wheeled freedom.

Managing People in Sport Organizations provides a comprehensive overview of the theory and practice of managing people within a strategic framework. This revised and updated second edition examines a range of strategic human resource management approaches that can be used by sport organizations to respond to contemporary challenges and to develop a sustainable performance culture. Drawing on well-established conceptual frameworks and current empirical research, the book systematically covers every key area of HRM theory and practice, including: recruitment training and development performance management and appraisal motivation and reward organizational culture employee relations diversity managing change This new edition also includes expanded coverage of social media, volunteers, and individuals within organizations, and is supported with a new companion website carrying additional resources for students and instructors, including PowerPoint slides, exam questions and useful web links. No other book offers such an up-to-date introduction to core concepts and key professional skills in HRM in sport, and therefore Managing People in Sport Organizations is essential reading for any sport management student or any HR professional working in sport.

Winner of the Sunday Times Sports Book of the Year 2023 Winner of the William Hill Sports Book of the Year Award 2022 THE TIMES SPORTS BOOK OF THE YEAR 2022 A FINANCIAL TIMES BEST SPORTS BOOK OF 2022 A WATERSTONES BEST SPORTS BOOK OF 2022 'A marvellous book' Maxine Peake Cyclist Beryl Burton dominated her sport much as her male contemporary Eddy Merckx, with a longevity that surpasses sporting legends like Muhammad Ali and Serena Williams. Practically invincible in time trials, Burton - also known as BB - finished as Best All-Rounder for 25 years and broke the record for the '12-hour' endurance race; an achievement unrivalled to this day. She won multiple world titles, but her achievements were limited by discrimination from the cycling authorities. Yet she carried on winning, beating men and - infamously - competing against her own daughter, whilst working full-time on a Yorkshire farm and running a household. With previously unseen material and through extensive interviews with family, friends, rivals and fellow sporting giants, Jeremy Wilson peels back the layers to reveal one of the most overlooked, yet compelling characters in cycling history.

To many, the racing bicycle is a cult object, a vehicle of dreams, a marvel of engineering and aesthetics. With such enthusiasts in mind, Bike! Is the first book to be produced on the history of the world's most famous racing-bike and component manufacturers. Within its pages you will discover the beautifully illustrated story of the artisans and visionary sportspeople who joined forces to create two-wheeled legends. From the cradle of road biking on the plains of northern Italy to the birthplace of mountain biking, Marin County, California, Bike! unmasks the soul behind names like Colnago, Shimano and Campagnolo. Distributed throughout the book are special double-page photographic features on ten landmark bikes that were the first to introduce groundbreaking technology, from Maurice Garin's Ondiana cycle in the first Tour de France of 1903 to the Team Sky Pinarello Dogma of 2010. Completed by sublime photography and graphic timelines, this book is the most striking tribute ever created to the craftsmanship, precision and speed of the racing bicycle. Edited by seasoned cycling veteran and bestselling author Richard Moore, Bike! is the perfect book for cycling fanatics and design aficionados alike.

A guidebook to cycling LEJOG – Land’s End to John o’ Groats. Covering 1600km (1000 miles), this route along the length of Britain takes 2 weeks to complete and is suitable for cyclists with a reasonable level of fitness. The route is described from south to north in 14 stages, each between 96 and 147km (60–92 miles) in length. An abbreviated route description is given for those cycling the route north to south (JOGLE). An alternative route through Central Scotland is also described. 1:200,000 maps and profiles included for each stage GPX files for both LEJOG and JOGLE routes available for download Alternative route schedules between 10 and 18 days are provided Refreshment and accommodation information given for each stage Advice on planning and preparation