Tom Simpson: Bird on the Wire Exhibition

Tom Simpson is British cycling's greatest icon. Fifty years after he conquered the continental sporting scene, he still captivates people around the world. From a humble upbringing in a Nottinghamshire mining town, Simpson became the first Briton to win the elite men's World Championships and to wear the Tour de France's yellow jersey. A charismatic and impulsive character, Simpson lived fast, with a penchant for spectacular racing, sports cars and fanciful dreams. A man of contradictions, he was both people's champion and pariah, a gentleman and a rogue.

Guided by rare photography of Simpson from Rapha Editions book ‘Tom Simpson: Bird on the Wire’, we explore the Briton's feats and complexities through untold stories from those closest to him, captured by Andy McGrath.