So instead of going to Lourdes like everyone in Ireland, that Pyrenean holiday saw him and his family going to Luz-Saint-Saveur, 30 kilometres south and a shrine of a different kind, situated as it is at the base of the Tourmalet.

Chased by Pandas by Matthew Biddulph | Hachette UK Chased by Pandas by Matthew Biddulph | Hachette UK

While Martin drooled over the burger he would devour after the Tour, Thomas and Froome were excited about the prospect of “a good salad”. Now you have these incarnations, these super-teams, with the resources to have five young riders behind him, ready to replace him as soon as he dips. According to Jonathan Vaughters, Martin’s mother’s genes are the more important, because of something to do with midichlorians and the Force. This audiobook reflects Dan’s generous and outspoken spirit, his resilience to pain, crashes, bad luck and, finally, his acceptance of destiny.

I didn’t want to do anything conceptual,’ Amado says, ‘because in cycling it’s all about choosing your own path and I wanted to get that idea across, so I just did my thing. For the last three years, Martin has written and published over forty do-it-yourself guides on the subject-from how to make your own ethanol, to how to build your own solar panels. He shared some of his views on a cyclist’s life but his most significant stories and strong opinions have been held back for this book. There are of course more constructive ways use one’s time than to read road cyclists’ autobiographies, but I dare say – even before I’ve read the book myself – that STS would be positively surprised if he bought (or loaned) the book and wasted a couple of hours of his time by reading it!

Chased by Pandas: My life in the mysterious world of cycling

I still talk to him quite often and he seems to enjoy racing his bike and that’s why he does almost every race on the calendar. I do hope the more lids are lifted by old guards means that young guns trying to turn pro are treated better. This is Dan Martin's long-awaited autobiography, full of 'the warmth, sharp insights and vivid colour of his 14-year career' GuardianKnown, thanks to his racing style and attitude, for being one of road cycling's last romantics, Dan has always shied away from revealing too much about himself and his story.

Perhaps the Panda is wondering how Dan Martin got there and what he’s done since, and that’s where this book comes in. This book reflects Dan’s generous and outspoken spirit, his resilience to pain, crashes, bad luck and, finally, his acceptance of destiny. the most rational hypothesis was that there was an oily residue on the road at that point and the dampness in the air had made it slippery. When I started watching races more regularly I for some reason developed an almost instant antipathy to Dan Martin.

Chased by Pandas: My life in the mysterious world - WHSmith

To reprise an old theme Dan Martin’s win in the 2013 edition of Liège-Bastogne-Liège was huge for him and his team.He wasn’t the only one, of course, and the riders I loved to dislike came in all shapes and types – but somehow he grew on me and by the time he won Liège–Bastogne–Liège in 2013 he had won me over. Martin has genuine respect for Thomas and Chris Froome but he also describes Team Sky’s riders, at the height of their domination, as “robots”. I’m currently on chapter three (I’ve also started Gone Girl and my brain seemingly cannot comprehend following over two books at the same time), and my verdict so far is that it’s refreshingly candid and personal. One thing that does come through, although he’s not adamant about it, is how old fashioned/reactionary as well as just exploitative team management is.

Chased by Pandas by Dan In the Drops: Rapha x Bráulio Amado, Chased by Pandas by Dan

Martin was a top rider as well as an honest pro who is reflective about the world of pro bike racing. This is the celebration of a true cyclist's career, which will appeal to anyone who's embraced the weekend ride whilst dreaming of the mountains. In modern cycling I might never have made it to where I did – because I wouldn’t have been allowed the time to develop. These bottles from Ketone-IQ are said to boost energy and focus and contain no sugar, no caffeine and no artificial flavours, so be prepared for a sharp taste when ingesting. We cover all these subjects – including Martin’s concern for young riders today – but first he reflects on an initially “devastating” moment.

Please Note: By their very nature, all signed books will have been handled several times before they get to you. But domestiques are getting paid potentially less than they would have been 10 years ago, but they’re having to make many more sacrifices. But, when it comes to actually discussing these fears, Martin’s not the guy for the task, his tone is just too reassuring to allow you to experience any sense of danger, his positive outlook – or his ability to deep-six his fears and not think or talk about them – takes all edge off these topics.