The Line

THE STARTING LINE - THE FINISHING LINE - THE ETHICAL LINEThe former Team Sky and British Cycling doctor tells the inside story of the medical science that supported Britain's most brilliant athletes in their quest for glory.Dr Richard Freeman has treated the world's most successful cyclists - men and women such as Sir Chris Hoy and Sir Bradley Wiggins, Laura Trott and Victoria Pendleton. From 2009 until 2017, the 'Doc' was part of the team who became national heroes with Olympic and Tour de France victories.In The Line, Dr Freeman lifts the lid on the medical principles and practices that helped lead these athletes to success. He explains the importance of an holistic approach: from the psychology of the rider to the importance of athlete welfare; the prevention and treatment of injuries to the importance of proper recovery - all with practical tips for amateur riders too. These are ideas we now consider commonplace, but many were in fact Dr Freeman's own innovations, introduced under Sir Dave Brailsford's now-famous philosophy of 'marginal gains'. And in a sport where there's an ethical line as well as a finishing line, Dr Freeman gives a frank and open account in response to allegations of misuse of medical treatment to enhance performance. 'Without Dr Freeman, my career would have been shorter and less successful' - Liam Phillips, BMX World Champion 'Dr Freeman is a man of great integrity and kindness. His care has helped me through the good times and the hardships of competing in the highest level of sport' - Sir Bradley Wiggins, Olympic champion and Tour de France winner