What do you think?
Rate this book
The Chain
'Back in 2012, everyone knew who Bradley Wiggins was. Everyone, that is, but me. Thirteen years after the summer that defined me, I have finally defined myself. The disguises have gone. I've made peace with myself.'
A WATERSTONES SPORTS BOOK OF THE YEAR 2025
A GUARDIAN BEST SPORTS BOOK OF 2025
A DAILY TELEGRAPH BEST BOOK OF 2025
Think you know Bradley Wiggins? Think again.
Join Bradley Wiggins on a remarkable journey of self-discovery during which he faced his greatest ever opponent – the demons inside his head. He has cast aside his fragile shell and is the person he always wanted to be. Finally, he is happy in his own skin. He has broken the chain.
Bradley Wiggins is the greatest British cyclist of his generation. A national hero on both track and road, he won five Olympic gold medals, eight world titles and the Tour de France.
But his is a story mired in contradiction, controversy, and confusion. Sat on a throne after winning gold at London 2012, just ten days after becoming the first Briton to win the Tour de France, here was a man with the world at his feet. Sporting hero. People’s champion. Legend. Everyone knew who ‘Wiggo’ was. Everyone, that is, but him.
Bradley’s own truth was one of a chaotic and disturbing upbringing characterised by abandonment and abuse. The bike had been his escape but he knew that the second he got out of the saddle he was a shadow-man with no self-belief and even less self-worth.
With zero confidence in his value as a human being, attention was his worst nightmare. Bradley’s answer was to wear a mask. He became ‘Sir Wiggo’, the loveable rogue, the disguise slowly suffocating the real him, crushing the last few remnants of self-esteem.
Bradley descended into a deep personal despair marked by drug addiction. It was his lowest point, and one which, he freely admits, could have resulted in his death.
Bradley’s saviour has been himself. Incredibly he found the strength to embark on a remarkable journey of self-discovery during which he faced his greatest ever opponent – the demons inside his head. In so doing he reached an understanding of what and who he is.
The result is this powerful memoir, The Chain.
It is a journey he now wants to share. He wants others to understand they are not alone in their mental battles; that embracing honesty and openness is the key to personal happiness.
Bradley Wiggins has cast aside his fragile shell. Now, as the person he always wanted to be, he has become an inspiration to us all. Forget the jerseys, the medals. Finally, Bradley Wiggins is who he is, in his own skin. He has broken the chain.
A WATERSTONES SPORTS BOOK OF THE YEAR 2025
A GUARDIAN BEST SPORTS BOOK OF 2025
A DAILY TELEGRAPH BEST BOOK OF 2025
Think you know Bradley Wiggins? Think again.
Join Bradley Wiggins on a remarkable journey of self-discovery during which he faced his greatest ever opponent – the demons inside his head. He has cast aside his fragile shell and is the person he always wanted to be. Finally, he is happy in his own skin. He has broken the chain.
Bradley Wiggins is the greatest British cyclist of his generation. A national hero on both track and road, he won five Olympic gold medals, eight world titles and the Tour de France.
But his is a story mired in contradiction, controversy, and confusion. Sat on a throne after winning gold at London 2012, just ten days after becoming the first Briton to win the Tour de France, here was a man with the world at his feet. Sporting hero. People’s champion. Legend. Everyone knew who ‘Wiggo’ was. Everyone, that is, but him.
Bradley’s own truth was one of a chaotic and disturbing upbringing characterised by abandonment and abuse. The bike had been his escape but he knew that the second he got out of the saddle he was a shadow-man with no self-belief and even less self-worth.
With zero confidence in his value as a human being, attention was his worst nightmare. Bradley’s answer was to wear a mask. He became ‘Sir Wiggo’, the loveable rogue, the disguise slowly suffocating the real him, crushing the last few remnants of self-esteem.
Bradley descended into a deep personal despair marked by drug addiction. It was his lowest point, and one which, he freely admits, could have resulted in his death.
Bradley’s saviour has been himself. Incredibly he found the strength to embark on a remarkable journey of self-discovery during which he faced his greatest ever opponent – the demons inside his head. In so doing he reached an understanding of what and who he is.
The result is this powerful memoir, The Chain.
It is a journey he now wants to share. He wants others to understand they are not alone in their mental battles; that embracing honesty and openness is the key to personal happiness.
Bradley Wiggins has cast aside his fragile shell. Now, as the person he always wanted to be, he has become an inspiration to us all. Forget the jerseys, the medals. Finally, Bradley Wiggins is who he is, in his own skin. He has broken the chain.
310 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 23, 2025
72 people are currently reading
179 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
December 27, 2025
Possibly on the edge of 3&4 stars but cause I like the bloke I’ll give it a 4. Again another harrowing book for the luscious surrounds of Sri Lanka but an important one to understand the weight of sporting success on an individual.
January 4, 2026
Both an easy and tough read. Easy in the sense that there's space between the lines, so pages are read quickly, tough because the content is nearly exclusively downbeat as Bradley explores his demons and why he is where he is.
If you are looking for details of cycling achievements, training regimes that made him an elite cyclist, colleagues, and anecdotes, this is not the book for you. Instead, Bradley looks at his upbringing, an absent alcoholic father, abuse received as a boy from his first cycling coach, fall out with Team Sky and British cycling and being implicated in drug rumours to do with medical TUA's and unexplained jiffy bags.
As a cycling enthusiast, I found his fall out with Team Sky interesting, which followed quickly from the pinnacle of his 2012 Tour de France win and Olympic time trial gold, he was edged aside as they went with Chris Frome as their main rider. The drug implications followed, which Bradley clearly explains away.
The book goes deep into his fractured relationship with his cycling father, Gary, touches on his bankruptcy and concludes with his fall into drug addiction and ultimate ongoing recovery.
It comes across that writing his 'underlying' story down has helped Bradley be in the better place he is in now.
I wish him well
If you are looking for details of cycling achievements, training regimes that made him an elite cyclist, colleagues, and anecdotes, this is not the book for you. Instead, Bradley looks at his upbringing, an absent alcoholic father, abuse received as a boy from his first cycling coach, fall out with Team Sky and British cycling and being implicated in drug rumours to do with medical TUA's and unexplained jiffy bags.
As a cycling enthusiast, I found his fall out with Team Sky interesting, which followed quickly from the pinnacle of his 2012 Tour de France win and Olympic time trial gold, he was edged aside as they went with Chris Frome as their main rider. The drug implications followed, which Bradley clearly explains away.
The book goes deep into his fractured relationship with his cycling father, Gary, touches on his bankruptcy and concludes with his fall into drug addiction and ultimate ongoing recovery.
It comes across that writing his 'underlying' story down has helped Bradley be in the better place he is in now.
I wish him well
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 2, 2025
Quite a raw and bruising account of life since 2012 and how he faced the traumas of his childhood and then celebrity due to his cycling achievements. A lot of demons. Very open and honest.
April 20, 2026
I’ve followed Bradley for many years and was aware of his troubled life but never to the extent that he reveals in this book. Hard to comprehend the trauma of his early years and the post 2012 carnage. Always respected him as an athlete but I now have even more admiration for him.
November 24, 2025
Matt Rendell has written a book that does justice to Bradley Wiggins as both an athlete and a person. It’s raw, it’s honest, and it’s a reminder that even the best of us have to work hard to keep our chains intact. Wiggins may have been at the top of the world, but The Chain reveals that he’s always been linked to something more complex.
The book is far from a simple tribute to Wiggins’ success. Rendell is also willing to highlight the flaws, the mistakes. This complexity adds depth and authenticity to the book, which ultimately leaves the reader with a better understanding of the man behind the fame. For Wiggins’ fans, it’s not just a chance to cheer for their hero; it’s a chance to relate to him as human, along with the warts and all. There’s a small pacing issue in the middle sections where the narrative can feel a little bogged down with details, but it picks back up and rounds off with a decent conclusion.
The book also doesn’t gloss over Wiggins’ controversies—whether it’s his difficult relationships with teammates or his outspoken moments - giving the reader a fuller picture of a man who, like all brilliant athletes, is not perfect.
The book is far from a simple tribute to Wiggins’ success. Rendell is also willing to highlight the flaws, the mistakes. This complexity adds depth and authenticity to the book, which ultimately leaves the reader with a better understanding of the man behind the fame. For Wiggins’ fans, it’s not just a chance to cheer for their hero; it’s a chance to relate to him as human, along with the warts and all. There’s a small pacing issue in the middle sections where the narrative can feel a little bogged down with details, but it picks back up and rounds off with a decent conclusion.
The book also doesn’t gloss over Wiggins’ controversies—whether it’s his difficult relationships with teammates or his outspoken moments - giving the reader a fuller picture of a man who, like all brilliant athletes, is not perfect.
November 27, 2025
Blimey! Wiggo (and he doesn't covet that persona) has an awful lot of baggage in his panniers and spends the vast majority of this book unpacking it. He was abused by his coach as a teenager; his father abandoned him as a baby and was later murdered; his mother's subsequent partner was aggressive towards him; he was accused of taking drugs to enhance his performance; and after all that in recent years he descended to the depths of alcohol and cocaine addiction. It's all a long way from the chipper chap sitting on the throne at Hampton Court after winning gold at the London 2012 Olympics.
In fact, I'd have liked much more about his cycling. His wins in the Olympics and Tour de France are skipped over in a couple of pages. There's another book beckoning. For now we have endless self-analysis. After a while Bradley gets boring as sometimes people talking about their mental health do. I felt like his counsellor.
In summary, it's a worthwhile and eye-opening tale but of greater value to readers sharing the author's issues than cycling fans. Style wise, The Chain is a quick, easy read like many sporting biographies but lacks colour and detail. More of a transcribed podcast than a literary work.
In fact, I'd have liked much more about his cycling. His wins in the Olympics and Tour de France are skipped over in a couple of pages. There's another book beckoning. For now we have endless self-analysis. After a while Bradley gets boring as sometimes people talking about their mental health do. I felt like his counsellor.
In summary, it's a worthwhile and eye-opening tale but of greater value to readers sharing the author's issues than cycling fans. Style wise, The Chain is a quick, easy read like many sporting biographies but lacks colour and detail. More of a transcribed podcast than a literary work.
January 8, 2026
I loved watching Bradley Wiggins when he was cycling - it was so exciting to watch him win the TdF and his gold medals at the Olympics. This book was a surprise to me, I don't really look at newspapers etc so missed all the "Wiggo" stuff and he only really came onto my radar again when I heard that he had financial problems.
I didn't know that he was facing such awful demons and struggled so much with his mental health, which is what he writes about in this book. His descriptions of the abuse he experienced as a child (sexual from his coach, physical & emotional from his father, step father and, I'd say even his mum) are powerful and disturbing. His descriptions of the lack of duty of care by Dave Brailsford & the Sky team set up is shocking. He is clear eyed about how his mental health struggles led him down the road of cocaine addiction.
I hope he truly is finding his way now. This book made me think of the very young men who are now involved in road race cycling, where there is even more money involved than when BW was cycling, which means more pressure. I hope they are getting more support that he did.
I didn't know that he was facing such awful demons and struggled so much with his mental health, which is what he writes about in this book. His descriptions of the abuse he experienced as a child (sexual from his coach, physical & emotional from his father, step father and, I'd say even his mum) are powerful and disturbing. His descriptions of the lack of duty of care by Dave Brailsford & the Sky team set up is shocking. He is clear eyed about how his mental health struggles led him down the road of cocaine addiction.
I hope he truly is finding his way now. This book made me think of the very young men who are now involved in road race cycling, where there is even more money involved than when BW was cycling, which means more pressure. I hope they are getting more support that he did.
November 12, 2025
If you’re after a cheery bedtime read, this isn’t it. Bradley Wiggins’ story is one of triumph, collapse, and painful recovery — told with often shocking honesty. The man once celebrated as the upbeat “Modfather” of British cycling turns out to be far more complex, and at times, deeply troubled. After the highest of highs — Tour de France glory, Olympic golds, public adoration — came the lowest of lows: drug addiction, sexual abuse, unethical press intrusion, marraige breakup and ultimately, bankruptcy. Wiggins doesn’t hold back, and much of it makes for uncomfortable reading. Only my long-standing love of cycling kept me turning the pages, but I’m glad I did. The book offers a raw look at the cost of fame and the fragility of success. He still has plenty of life ahead, and I sincerely hope he finds contentment, purpose, and peace. Above all, I hope he’s OK.
November 25, 2025
Went to The Hackney Empire to hear Sir Bradley being interviewed. It was a disconcerting evening akin to attending one of his therapy sessions, lacking in any interaction with the audience and disappointingly detached, despite all the words spoken about being open and honest.
The Chain is the same - unfortunately it is a repetitive regurgitation of undoubtedly damaging historical personal events formulated to explain his catastrophic collapse into cocaine and the destruction of family life.
The repeated claim that this is authentic Bradley is troubling albeit that he acknowledges in the final chapter that this cannot be so.
I wish him well with his continuing battle against addiction but was saddened at the lack of any depth of apology to his wife for destroying all that she had built around the family and the years supporting him to achieve his dreams.
The Chain is the same - unfortunately it is a repetitive regurgitation of undoubtedly damaging historical personal events formulated to explain his catastrophic collapse into cocaine and the destruction of family life.
The repeated claim that this is authentic Bradley is troubling albeit that he acknowledges in the final chapter that this cannot be so.
I wish him well with his continuing battle against addiction but was saddened at the lack of any depth of apology to his wife for destroying all that she had built around the family and the years supporting him to achieve his dreams.
February 4, 2026
Yeah, fine. Wiggins’ story drifts pretty aggressively, from the childhood stories (for which I feel immensely sorry for him), through to him essentially abusing his body with drugs and in pursuit of a “celebrity” he claims he never wanted.
The second half is where I start losing interest - I think cyclists are probably the most impressive athletes on Earth, so I was hoping this book would give some insight into their lives. The cycling chat doesn’t go much further than denying doping (whilst defending Lance Armstrong at one point).
Instead, it’s busy talking about how much he loved getting on the nose beers and being a bit of a prick in public. Fundamentally if I cared about that, I would become one of those people who idolises that Gallaghers, but I’ve still got a shred of self-respect for now.
The second half is where I start losing interest - I think cyclists are probably the most impressive athletes on Earth, so I was hoping this book would give some insight into their lives. The cycling chat doesn’t go much further than denying doping (whilst defending Lance Armstrong at one point).
Instead, it’s busy talking about how much he loved getting on the nose beers and being a bit of a prick in public. Fundamentally if I cared about that, I would become one of those people who idolises that Gallaghers, but I’ve still got a shred of self-respect for now.
February 1, 2026
This is not some cheery reflection about the achievements of one of Britains most successful athletes.
It is rather a deeply introspective and personal account of the things that drove him to be the person he was and is today.
Cycling fans will be disappointed about the lack of detail on his training and achievements in the sport, but through the writing it feels like you get an honest account of the man who you can’t help but feel happy for, having battled hard against the impact of abuse, abandonment, and addiction, he appearing to be on the other side of at this point.
The conversational style makes it easy to read, which some won’t like, but it fits the vibe of the book nicely.
It is rather a deeply introspective and personal account of the things that drove him to be the person he was and is today.
Cycling fans will be disappointed about the lack of detail on his training and achievements in the sport, but through the writing it feels like you get an honest account of the man who you can’t help but feel happy for, having battled hard against the impact of abuse, abandonment, and addiction, he appearing to be on the other side of at this point.
The conversational style makes it easy to read, which some won’t like, but it fits the vibe of the book nicely.
January 4, 2026
A searingly open & honest account of the demons he’s struggled with since childhood and how he’s finally come to terms with them.
It’s hard to believe from what we perceive from the outside that all this was going on on the inside.
Unlike me to polish off a book in four days but I found this a fascinating read, eloquent, reflective and inspiring.
I sincerely hope his recovery continues and so glad he has finally found his own path to recovery and happiness.
Probably not the account of his life you’re expecting but a really, really good read.
It’s hard to believe from what we perceive from the outside that all this was going on on the inside.
Unlike me to polish off a book in four days but I found this a fascinating read, eloquent, reflective and inspiring.
I sincerely hope his recovery continues and so glad he has finally found his own path to recovery and happiness.
Probably not the account of his life you’re expecting but a really, really good read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 18, 2025
That must have been a hard book to write. I went to a talk he gave to publicise the launch of the book. He came across as very genuine and astonishingly candid about his demons. As someone who likes cycling and admired Bradley Wiggins as a cyclist but not as a celebrity, I found it both illuminating and what happened to him as understandable.
There are many lessons to be drawn but one I am reminded of is that we really do not know those in the public eye.
There are many lessons to be drawn but one I am reminded of is that we really do not know those in the public eye.
May 9, 2026
I understand that’s the point but the entire thing comes across as very self-indulgent and kind of ‘I’m better than other athletes because I drink and smoke’.
I sympathise with what he has been through but even with that in mind, he comes across as hard to relate to, difficult to feel sorry for.
I have to say too, that I believe Chris Froome’s side of their ‘fall out’ much more!
Sorry Bradley.
I sympathise with what he has been through but even with that in mind, he comes across as hard to relate to, difficult to feel sorry for.
I have to say too, that I believe Chris Froome’s side of their ‘fall out’ much more!
Sorry Bradley.
March 8, 2026
poor read
Compared to his other books this was a bit (lot) of a letdown . Not enough detail about his tue’s and fall out with sky British cycling for the reader to make informed decisions. Lots of writing about his childhood abuse and relationship with his father which runs throughout and in the end just gets boring.
I am/was a fan but unfortunately this just isn’t a good read.
Compared to his other books this was a bit (lot) of a letdown . Not enough detail about his tue’s and fall out with sky British cycling for the reader to make informed decisions. Lots of writing about his childhood abuse and relationship with his father which runs throughout and in the end just gets boring.
I am/was a fan but unfortunately this just isn’t a good read.
January 21, 2026
So sad to read more about the unrelenting and unsupportive world a champion can be in at the hands of his management. A sad story of a great champion who just didn't get the help and support he needed from the important figures around him
February 22, 2026
A brutally honest and humbling life story - I admire the courage it must have taken to write this and the message it sends that no matter how hard life gets, there is always help and hope.
An amazing read.
An amazing read.
March 23, 2026
4.1 / 5 - Interesting insight in to the human side of an elite athlete who struggled with abuse, addiction and finding their own way after sport. Would have liked a bit more about how he approached and prepared for races but this isn’t the main crux of this book. I liked it.
April 11, 2026
I expected an interesting story from a man who helped change British cycling forever. What I didn’t expect was a memoir detailing child abuse, drug addiction and bankruptcy. This is raw, moving, and deeply human. One one of the best autobiographies I have read in a long time.
Read
November 3, 2025I always admire Bradley Wiggins as great athlete.I have had any idea what was going through in recent years.Great book.
November 16, 2025
An honest, open personal account of one mans rise to sporting glory and the events in his life that almost destroyed him...Highly recommended and an essential read even if you are not a cycling fan.
December 24, 2025
Powerful, honest and insightful. I really enjoyed this one. It completely changed what I thought I knew about him. Inspirational stuff.
January 6, 2026
Bradley's openness and honesty in this book makes it a difficult read.
January 9, 2026
A tough, brutal & unrelenting read.
January 13, 2026
Harrowing and insightful
January 24, 2026
Audio book
February 15, 2026
Couldn’t put this book down! It’s a raw and shocking insight into the struggles he’s been through, and up to such recent times too.
February 20, 2026
Amazing
March 11, 2026
Not a barrel of laughs, but enjoyable none the less. An avid cycling fan, I had no idea his life had become such a mess. A great, if not a little heavy book.
April 30, 2026
I do understand, l'm pleased I read it and I'm sure (+hope) Bradley is pleased it's all in the open now.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews