Chris Hoy moves to Octopus for cycling guide

Hamlyn has acquired How To Ride A Bike by Olympic athlete Sir Chris Hoy, a book designed to help readers become "fitter, faster, and more skilful" cyclists.

Trevor Davies, publishing director at Octopus, acquired world rights from Amy Fitzgerald at The Blair Partnership to publish on 6th September as a £20 hardback. Hoy has previously published a memoir with HarperCollins and a children's book series, Flying Fergus, with Bonnier Publishing's Piccadilly Press arm.

The guide, from the six-time Olympic gold medalist, will tie together technical, physical and mental aspects of cycling, helping readers to improve both their speed and stamina. Via QR codes, it also comes complete with access to exercise videos.  

Designed with both beginners and pros in mind, according to Octopus it is full of advice for those getting on a bike for the first time in a while but also contains tips for seasoned cyclists looking to take it up a notch.

"I wanted to write this book to try and help as many people enjoy riding their bikes as possible, and for them to get the most out of cycling," said Hoy. "Regardless of their level of ability or their experience, they can take some of the knowledge and expertise I’ve gained over the years and use it to help them take their cycling to the next level, be that bike maintenance, training programmes, the psychological side of things, techniques, diet, recovery; any and all of the facets that are important to cycling performance."

Davies commented: "We are delighted to be publishing Chris’s first illustrated cycling book. To all cyclists he is the epitome of what can be achieved on a bike and his Olympic successes not only heralded a golden age of British cycling, but inspired thousands to take up the sport. This book is an incredibly practical guide to Chris’s vision of how to achieve your best on a bike."