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Summersdale Publishers has snapped up The Race of Truth by Leigh Timmis, the world-record-breaking, round-the-world cyclist.
Commissioning editor Debbie Chapman acquired world rights in the English language from James Spackman at the bks Agency. The book will be published in July 2023.
In 2018, Timmis became the fastest person to cycle across Europe in just 16 days, 10 hours and 45 minutes, breaking the previous world record by an astonishing eight days and 17 hours. The synopsis said: "As he prepared his body for this ultra-endurance world record attempt, Leigh realised that he would have to confront deeper problems to make it to the finish line. [...] With the support of psychologists and sports science experts, Leigh confronted the past that had left him with vulnerabilities he would need to understand and overcome in the pursuit of performance."
Timmis commented: “I’m delighted to be working with Summerdale to tell the story of my record-breaking cycle across Europe. I hope that sharing my journey of personal transformation and the tools I used to succeed will inspire others to take on their own challenge and to achieve their greatest potential.”
Chapman added: “Leigh’s story gripped me from the start – not only do you get a thrilling cross-continent adventure, but you also get something much rarer: a fascinating insight into the mechanics of building an elite athlete. I loved the openness with which Leigh talks about the mental challenges as well as the physical ones that he had to overcome to achieve his goals.”
Spackman said: “Leigh’s approach to uncompromising challenges and absolute records is strikingly nuanced, open and curious. The thoughtful way he tells his story helps us learn as he learns, and we can apply his experiences to our own goals (though I’m hoping I never, ever have to encounter The White Wall…).”