‘The accurate inspiration was that Olympic precious metal won by Chris Boardman in Barcelona… I had been so in awe of Chris Boardman’ Sir Bradley Wiggins

You might know him as the much-loved co-presenter of ITV’s Tour de France coverage or enjoyed his BBC Olympic coverage, but beyond the simple charm Chris Boardman is one of our greatest, most inspiring cyclists.

Boardman’s lone achievements in the 80s and 90s – Olympic monitor gold, the world hour record, repeatedly claiming the yellow jersey in the Tour de France – about Triumphs and Turbulence: My Autobiography were the spark that started the present day era for British bicycling. His endeavours both on and off the bike possess made him the founding dad of current golden era – without him there would merely end up being no Hoy, Wiggins or Cavendish.

It is a story full of intrigue: from Olympic achievement, towards the famous duels with Graeme Obree and the insanity of the Tour de France. Chris became a legend for his mix of physical ability and technical planning, almost single-handedly taking English cycling from wool tops and cloth hats into the era of marginal benefits. Indeed, after his career on the bicycle ended, a fresh chapter started as the backroom genius behind GB bicycling. As head of the R&D group known as The Secret Squirrel Golf club, Chris continues to be in charge of the technical innovations that made the difference in 2012 and created Boardman Bikes, which has end up being the country’s bestselling premium bike range.