The Chain
The Chain by Sir Bradley Wiggins, published by HarperCollins Publishers Limited on October 23, 2025, is a memoir that delves into the complexities of the author’s life and identity. In this 336-page book, Wiggins reflects on his journey from being a celebrated athlete to confronting his personal struggles with self-worth and addiction. He shares insights from his chaotic upbringing and the masks he wore to cope with the pressures of fame, ultimately leading to a profound journey of self-discovery.
Readers will find a candid exploration of mental health, the impact of addiction, and the importance of embracing honesty. Wiggins aims to connect with others facing similar battles, emphasizing that they are not alone in their struggles. This edition presents a narrative that intertwines elements of biography, psychology, and self-help, offering a unique perspective on the challenges of both personal and professional life in the world of sports and beyond.
Official synopsis Publisher
‘Back in 2012, everyone knew who Bradley Wiggins was. Everyone, that is, but me. Thirteen years after the summer that defined me, I have finally defined myself. The disguises have gone. I’ve made peace with myself.’
Think you know Bradley Wiggins? Think again.
Bradley Wiggins is the greatest British cyclist of his generation. A national hero on both track and road, he won five Olympic gold medals, eight world titles and the Tour de France.
But his is a story mired in contradiction, controversy, and confusion. Sat on a throne after winning gold at London 2012, just ten days after becoming the first Briton to win the Tour de France, here was a man with the world at his feet. Sporting hero. People’s champion. Legend. Everyone knew who ‘Wiggo’ was. Everyone, that is, but him.
Bradley’s own truth was one of a chaotic and disturbing upbringing characterised by abandonment and abuse. The bike had been his escape but he knew that the second he got out of the saddle he was a shadow-man with no self-belief and even less self-worth.
With zero confidence in his value as a human being, attention was his worst nightmare. Bradley’s answer was to wear a mask. He became ‘Sir Wiggo’, the loveable rogue, the disguise slowly suffocating the real him, crushing the last few remnants of self-esteem.
Bradley descended into a deep personal despair marked by drug addiction. It was his lowest point, and one which, he freely admits, could have resulted in his death.
Bradley’s saviour has been himself. Incredibly he found the strength to embark on a remarkable journey of self-discovery during which he faced his greatest ever opponent – the demons inside his head. In so doing he reached an understanding of what and who he is.
The result is this powerful memoir, The Chain.
It is a journey he now wants to share. He wants others to understand they are not alone in their mental battles; that embracing honesty and openness is the key to personal happiness.
Bradley Wiggins has cast aside his fragile shell. Now, as the person he always wanted to be, he has become an inspiration to us all. Forget the jerseys, the medals. Finally, Bradley Wiggins is who he is, in his own skin. He has broken the chain.
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