The Climb will tell the inspirational story of Chris Froome’s journey from a young boy in Kenya, riding through townships and past wild animals, and with few opportunities for an aspiring cyclist, to his unforgettable yellow jersey victory in this year’s Tour.
A journey unlike any other in the history of cycling, Froome has crossed continents, overcome the death of his mother and conquered debilitating illness to follow his dreams and represent Team GB and Team Sky. He has experienced soaring triumphs, humbling defeats, a public rivalry with Bradley Wiggins and, most recently, the pressures of Lance Armstrong’s legacy.
Extraordinary, revealing and life-affirming, The Climb is a story of determination, hardship and unimaginable success. The book will be written in collaboration with acclaimed author David Walsh.
Chris Froome said: “Many people have come to know my name through my achievements over the last year, but I feel that there are not many people who know who I really am. I hope that this book will give people a bit of insight into me and my obstacle-ridden journey to the top, and inspire them to push on despite any challenges they may face in achieving their own goals.”
Ben Brusey, editor at Viking, said: “Chris Froome is the future of cycling. His incredible victories this year have helped make cycling in Britain more popular than ever, and we are thrilled to be publishing his book in time for the start of the 2014 Tour in Yorkshire. His story is hugely inspirational and I know that it will be enjoyed by sports lovers as well as an even wider audience.”
The Climb by Chris Froome will be published in Viking hardback and ebook in June 2014.
About Chris Froome…
Chris Froome was born in Nairobi in 1985 to British parents. He was educated and raised in South Africa and now races for Team GB and Team Sky. In 2011 he finished second overall in the Vuelta a España. In 2012 he finished runner-up to Bradley Wiggins in the Tour de France and won the Bronze medal in the Time Trial at the Olympic Games. Froome amassed five stage-race victories in 2013, with triumphs at the Tour of Oman, Criterium International, Tour de Romandie and Criterium du Dauphine leading into a dominant win at the 100th Tour de France. He won the prestigious Velo d’Or award for best rider of 2013.
On Chris Froome…
“I think it’s brilliant that we’ll go to a Tour de France starting in our home country with the reigning champion . . . The key to (Chris’s) success was his mental resilience. He wore that Yellow Jersey for 13 days in a row, and that’s a lot of pressure to cope with. He might look like an unlikely strong man at first glance, but I wouldn’t let that fool you. Beneath the surface there is a real fighter. He’s a tough guy” – Sir Dave Brailsford
“Just a few years ago we did not have anyone who could podium, but now we have two cyclists who can win the Tour in consecutive years. It is a phenomenal achievement and what Chris has done is phenomenal” – Sir Chris Hoy
“Even though we don’t see each other so much anymore he has lived in my dreams. He (was) wearing the yellow jersey every day and I almost felt I was wearing it myself” – David Kinjah, Chris Froome’s former cycling mentor and coach, Safari Simbaz
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