Mandy Jones: An accidental champion

Mandy Bishop, World Champion

Thirty years have passed since Mandy Bishop won the World Championship road race at Goodwood, but the significance of that victory and her career should not be forgotten. In the 1980s, Bishop was British cycling's tenacious world-beater, paving the way for the sport's modern stars without the cosseted backing that many enjoy nowadays.

On the dole and often taken to races by her parents, Bishop started racing in men's shorts on an oversize frame. An overriding passion for the sport permeated her pedalling: she was happy doing long-distance touring round the Dales or racing the women's Tour de France. Precocious talent and a fierce competitive nature helped her to the top, but it came with mental fragility and ruinous injuries. This is Mandy Bishop's story in her own words.

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