Jeff Payne

"Rider." Jeff Payne

Following the Second World War, sport lost its virginity. First the Iron Curtain countries used sport politically to trumpet the superiority of their system. Then professional sport suddenly became well paid and glamorous. Blessed with athletic ability beyond the comprehension of most mortals, but no other marketable skills to make a living, you have a choice. Live at the lower end of the food chain, or become a professional athlete. But fifteen years, if you're lucky, is all you'll get. To earn enough money to set you up for life. Take the professional cyclist. The top fifty will make it easily. The next five hundred will make a living. After them come the thousands of talented amateur and semi-pro riders, all with a dream. All destined to go hungry, or... Enter performance-enhancing drugs. Top rider or dreamer, how far are you prepared to go? As far as you must? As far as murder?