OLYMPIC Gold medal-winning cyclist Chris Boardman MBE looks back on the triumphs and turbulence of his career in his long-awaited autobiography.

The Hoylake-born sportsman was the first British cyclist to win Olympic gold for 75 years when he stormed to victory on his iconic Lotus bike at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics.

He was bronze medallist in Atlanta in 1996 in the road race.

He went on to break the world hour record three times, wearing the yellow jersey on three separate occasions at the Tour de France, and became the sport's best ever prologue rider.

It was those lone achievements that provided the spark that started the modern era for British cycling.

His autobiography - Chris Boardman 'Triumphs & Tribulations' (pictured, below) charts these successes.

But it goes further than his successes on the track.

Wirral Globe:

The book's sleeve notes say: "This is Chris' story in his own words, from taking part in amateur time trials on Wirral where he grew up and still lives, to the shock of sudden fame and the compelling story of helping to build British cycling into what would become known as the 'medal factory.

"Told with trademark dry humour and everyman perspective, it's a funny and engrossing story from one of Britain's greatest cyclists."

Since retiring from professional racing, Chris has held various positions at British Cycling, including head of research and development which has created world leading equipment designs and coaching methods.

He is British Cycling's policy advisor, applying his knowledge to relating to transport policy and cycle safety and a BBC and ITV commentator.

In 2012, he carried the Olympic Flame in Birkenhead Park as part of its tour of the country and is also patron of the Wirral Bikeathon.

Looking back on life after Olympic success, the 47-year-old said in the book: "So that was the end of the dream, then. It was all over.

"The rest of the world had moved on and at a faster pace than we were chasing them.

"I had a badly-neglected wife, two young children, a mortgage and no proper income.

"What the hell was I doing forcing everyone to make sacrifices so I could dedicate my life going round in circles faster than other people?

"Maybe this was time to grow up and start behaving responsibly."

In a press statement, the book's publisher said: "His endeavours both on and off the bike have made him the founding father of the current golden generation - without him there would be simply be no Hoy, Wiggins or Cavendish."

Paying tribute, Sir Bradley Wiggins said: "The true inspiration was that Olympic gold by Chris Boardman in Barcelona.

"i was so in awe of Chris Boardman."

Chris will sign copies of the book at Waterstone's in Liverpool One on Wednesday, June 8 at 7pm as part of a regional tour.