Born to ride

In 1987 Stephen Roche touched greatness

In June he won the Giro d'Italia, fighting a ferocious battle against not only his rivals but also against his teammates and an angry, partisan Italian crowd.

In July Roche secured the yellow jersey in the Tour de France, blacking out shortly after crossing the line following a superhuman effort.

In September, victory at the World Cycling Championships in Austria won Roche a near-unprecedented 'triple crown'.

Born to Ride, Stephen Roche's first full autobiography, takes this extraordinary year as the starting point to explore the rest of his life. He doesn't hold back as he examines the many ups and downs of his time on and off the bike, scrutinising victories, defeats, rivals, serious injury, doping allegations and agonizing family breakdown. Beneath the charm and rare natural talent, Roche finally reveals himself as a smiling assassin - a master strategist who lives to attack.