Beryl: In Search of Britain's Greatest Athlete, Beryl Burton

Beryl Burton, a pioneering cyclist, overcame discrimination and state-sponsored rivals to become one of the greatest of all time. She dominated her sport in time trials, winning multiple world titles and setting a world record in 1967. Despite facing challenges, Burton continued to win and compete against her own daughter, and her motivation was sparked by her appalling childhood illness. Acclaimed journalist Jeremy Wilson has written a book that reveals the complex, enigmatic and compelling character of Burton, providing insight into her life story and how fast she would still be on modern cycling technology.

Format: Hardback
Length: 352 pages
Publication date: 07 July 2022
Publisher: Profile Books Ltd

Winner of the Sunday Times Sports Book of the Year 2023, Winner of the William Hill Sports Book of the Year Award 2022, Winner of the Times Sports Book of the Year 2022, A Times Best Sports Book of 2022, A Financial Times Best Sports Book of 2022, A Waterstones Best Sports Book of 2022, and A Daily Mail Sports Book of 2022, cyclist Beryl Burton, also known as BB, dominated her sport much as her male contemporary Eddy Merckx, but with a longevity that surpasses even sporting legends like Muhammad Ali, Serena Williams, and Sir Steve Redgrave. She was practically invincible in time trials, finishing as Best All-Rounder for 25 consecutive years and setting a world record in 1967 for the distance covered in 12 hours that beat the men. She won multiple world titles, even when the distances didn't play to her strengths. But her achievements were limited by discrimination from the cycling authorities and by her strictly amateur status against state-sponsored rivals from Eastern Bloc nations. Yet she carried on winning, beating men and, infamously, competing against her own daughter, while working on a farm and running a household. Her motivation, sparked by appalling childhood illness, is as fascinating as her achievements are stunning.

With access to previously unseen correspondence and photographs, and through extensive interviews with family, friends, rivals, and fellow giants from across sport, acclaimed journalist Jeremy Wilson peels back the layers to reveal one of the most complex, enigmatic, and compelling characters in cycling history. For the first time, he also provides the jaw-dropping answer to how fast she would still be on modern cycling technology.

Long ignored by sporting history, Burton's life story - recently told by Maxine Peake in a stage and radio play - is finally getting the recognition it deserves. Her incredible journey from a humble upbringing in the countryside to becoming one of the greatest cyclists of all time is a testament to her determination, talent, and resilience.

Beryl Burton's legacy continues to inspire generations of cyclists and sports enthusiasts alike, and her story is a reminder of the power of perseverance and the importance of breaking down barriers. Whether on the road or in the field, her example serves as a shining beacon of what can be achieved with hard work, dedication, and a passion for sport.

Weight: 586g
Dimension: 163 x 242 x 35 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781788162920
Edition number: Main