Yes, Wiggins is like marmite – you either like him or your hate him.

But the one thing you can’t take away is that he gets it. The why.

Co-written with historian Herbie Sykes, ‘Icons’ is a homage to the riders that for Wiggins have shaped cycle racing. You could liken it to a Desert Island Discs tribute as he manages to squeeze his life long list down to just twenty-one riders, tipping his cap to those who have inspired and motivated him throughout. Telling the stories of their careers and highlighting pivotal moments he intertwines a few tales from his racing days or where he was at that time of his life. Don’t get me wrong though, the focus is on these icons, not on him, but as one fanboy to another it was interesting to read his take on these riders and a few of his pivotal moments, especially now his words are free from any sponsor obligations or restrictions.

Fan boy, yes, but Wiggins acknowledges, rejoices even, that bike racing is not just all about an athletic achievement measured in watts per kilogram or bike fits honed in wind tunnels. Let’s be honest now, if you are looking for a book that will tell you how to win five Olympic gold medals or the Tour de France, beat the Hour Record or win the Ghent Six, then this isn’t it. As mentioned, this book is his why, not his how. Why the Ghent Six and Roubaix are intrinsic, why riding style can be mesmerising, how a jersey or single piece of componentry can be considered as art, why these riders should be on your study list.

Complimenting his take are pictures of memorabilia from his own collection, of bikes and jerseys from the chosen. The part bike geek/part historian in him making sure that these items aren’t lost or forgotten, that they are celebrated for the crucial part of the sport that they are.

And just as if we all listed our own choices of inspiration throughout the years, some of these icons need no introduction, others included as they were part of his personal story. Collectively these riders all fed his stoke, all honed his obsession, all added to the sport.

Stepping back he pinches himself, describing how some of the riders in posters pinned to his boyhood bedroom wall are now friends, how hours endlessly replaying grainy VHS copies of races moulded his understanding, celebrating how this carries on from generation to generation.

It is this stoke that comes across, integrated into essential historical reading.

Love or hate Wiggins, whatever, just don’t hate this book.

Icons: My Inspiration, My Motivation, My Odsession by Bradley Wiggins is published by HarperCollins