Book Review The Flying Scotsman by Graeme Obree

The Flying Scotsman tells the compelling account of the career and life of unique cyclist Graeme Obree. The book starts with a sobering account of his early childhood life, which is dominated by bullying. These early experiences were to adversely affect him throughout the rest of his life. After a failed cycling shop adventure, at one stage Graeme is declared bankrupt.

However, Obree then tells the remarkable rags to riches story in which he overcomes all odds to break the ultimate prize of cycling, the world hour record. The story is fascinating account of how an unemployed and unfashionable Scottish cyclist is able to rise to the top of professional cycling. The account of the world record ride in Norway is well told and genuinely riveting, even to a non-cyclist.

Along the way Obree doesn’t spare the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) any embarrassment, but one can understand the sense of injustice he felt at being unfairly disqualified from a track world championship in the 1990s.

As well as being a great cycling book, Obree's autobiography gives a telling insight into the mindset of a depressive. At times it can make for difficult reading as you get a glimpse into the mental torment he went through at certain times. Yet you admire his honesty and courage in telling of his inner demons.

In fact, the overriding feeling you get from reading the book is that Graeme is a sincerely honest guy. He turned down a professional contract partly because he wanted nothing to do with the doping scene that was prevalent at the time. You can’t help rooting for a guy who, using a bike made from a washing machine and old BMX, rose from anonymity to beat the multi-million pound superstars.

If you have any interest in cycling this a must-read. Even if you don’t like cycling you may find this a stimulating book, if not one that always offers a rose-tinted view of life.

Article Author: Richard Pettinger

Richard is a keen cyclist and competes in UK time trials. He races for Sri Chinmoy Cycling Team. Richard's other interests include meditation and spirituality. He is a member of the Sri Chinmoy Meditation Centre and gives free meditation classes in …

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