The wonder of cycling

Bikeology is an unmissable evening for cyclists and cyclists’ suffering partners alike, offering something for riders at all levels of ability and commitment.

In his remarkable 13 summers of donning the yellow jersey for ITV’s Tour de France coverage (with another slated for 2016, alongside his reporting at the year’s other most prestigious road races), sports journalist, television presenter and best-selling author, Ned Boulting, has witnessed the popularity and profile of cycling ascend dramatically into the nation’s consciousness.

Following a decade of Olympic track and Grand Tour road cycling triumphs for British riders, Bikeology harnesses the national interest in these now-household names, and celebrates the huge rise in the British public’s participation at all levels of cycling, with an almost unhealthy (but downright amusing) obsession with frames, saddles and all things bike.

Delivered in a refreshingly unique format, Bikeology sees Boulting offer his exclusive, sometimes irreverent, insight into the world of professional cycling.

Whether exhibiting the history of cycling and the bicycle itself, or divulging the inside backstories of today’s biggest high-fliers, such as Cavendish, Wiggins, Froome and (yes, it is impossible to ignore him) Armstrong,

Ned’s Bikeology presents audiences with an authentic, enlightened appraisal of the sport’s recent climbs and well-documented, rocky descents.

Whether a modest commuter starting out on the Cycle to Work Scheme or a Tour de France winner, what does it mean to ride a bike?

Why do we love our bottom brackets more than we love our children? Why do we talk to our handlebar tape more than we talk to our parents?

Is Rapha cool? Ned answers these questions and more; his honest humour embroidered with over a decade’s worth of very personal accounts from the frontline of cycling.

Ned Boulting, said: “Throughout the years that I’ve been reporting on cycling, I’ve seen how the humble bicycle puts human behaviour under a microscope.

“I’ve seen delight, despair and doping, as well as infinite variations of falling off your bike – something for everyone! The wonderful thing about cycling is the direct link between a Tour de France win and a trip to the shops.

“It’s an everyday glory! As kids we all learn to ride a bike. But in recent years more and more people are getting involved for social, health or environmental reasons.”

Bikeology comes to the Royal Hippodrome Theatre on Sunday November 13 . Call 0132 380 2020.