Tom Simpson 1937 - 1967

 Tom Simpson is a name that many will be unfamiliar with. Indeed until recently I too was unaware of his existence and untimely death. In this day and age of reality TV 'stars', warbling nobodies and pantomime hard men, Simpson was a cyclist who simply would not give up, resulting in his death climbing the treacherous Ventoux during the 1967 Tour de France.
An iconic cyclist of the 1960's, Tom Simpson had a unique drive and ability. He was the first British cyclist to become a major cycling star winning the World Championship in 1965. Tragically, Simpson died during the 1967 Tour de France while climbing Mont Ventoux. Even more shocking was the revelation that Simpson had packets of amphetamines in his back pocket and the use of drugs had been a contributory factor in his untimely death. Yet, despite his tragic death, he is held in high regard by the cycling fraternity. A monument was erected to Tom Simpson near to where he collapsed on Mont Ventoux which receives thousands of visitors every year. To get a more complete picture of the man himself I have just ordered the book below.