I finished reading Nicole's autobiography last week. It is a very blunt read in places. It's fair to say that she wasn't given the assistance/support (by various British cycling bodies) she felt she needed. That comes through load and clear!
What was fascinating (for me) to read was her talk of race tactics. It's not something I've read before so it was illuminating.
I'm sure her headstrong nature makes her a trying individual at times, and I'm sure she put backs up, noses out of joint, etc BUT I have nothing but admiration for her. She didn't take 'no' for an answer and would find a way. What else could she do? Put her dreams on hold whilst comittees made a decision?
Two amusing related stories;
I bought the book in a local Waterstones. I checked the 'new releases' shelf and it wasn't there. A number of Chris Froome's were there, plus a few others. Above those were a couple of books on sexism. I looked at the sports biographies shelf, same thing. So I asked at the counter if they had it in. 'Who?' Came the reply, then a brief chat about the TdF and Wiggins, Cavendish, Froome. A search on the computer revealed they had one copy but it was in the stock room and they hadn't gotten around to shelving it yet. I was happy. I had my book.
A day later, I was oiling my chain (literally, no metaphor) outside the place I was staying at. A chap walks up and starts talking bikes. He's a consultant cycling coach, involved with a number of clubs - Hillingdon, Croydon (the one Paul Smith funds) plus he has several clients living in Spain, France and the UK. He was clearly well connected, mentioning "Brad" and "Pooley", who he knew well. I didn't get the sense he was name dropping either, he genuinely knew these people. So I mentioned that I was reading Nicole Cooke's book. "ah, Cookie" he said "she burnt some bridges".
Those 2 incidents seemed to echo themes of the book and made me see what Cooke was up against. That she had the successes she had speaks volumes to her character.