Dr Richard Freeman was Head of Medicine at Bolton Wanderer's Football Club and the English Premiership, before moving on to become team doctor at British Cycling and Team Sky between 2009 and 2017. Dr Freeman's patients in professional cycling have inspired a generation and are now household names: Sir Chris Hoy, Sir Bradley Wiggins, Mark Cavandish, Chris Froome, Geraint Thomas, Ed Clancy, Victoria Pendleton, to name just a few. Dr Freeman is now enjoying a quieter life, returning to family medicine and spending time with his four grandchildren.
You feel safe and know your rider's health is well looked after when he is around, especially in stressful situation at competition. Dr Rich's calm, professional and rational attitude gives everyone around him the confidence that all has been done for the athlete in order to be 100% able to focus on the job -- Heiko Salzwedel, Olympic Men's Team Pursuit coach GB, China, Russia and Denmark Dr Freeman has been a source of unwavering support throughout my cycling career through all the ups, downs, illnesses and injuries that I encountered through my career -- Jo Rowsell-Shand, Olympic Team Pursuit champion Doc Freeman was a great support during my time at Team Sky. He was always a relaxed and confident doctor, even in pressured situations and was just a joy to have around. You felt like he really cared about your health, making sure he always stayed in touch and across everything whenever I was recovering from being sick or injured. Not only is he a brilliant doctor who I loved working with, he was also just a great person to talk to, always understanding the human side of what can sometimes be a fickle sport -- Ritchie Porte, Pro Tour Cyclist Doctor Freeman is a pioneer in medical performance services in recovery and preparation for world class sports teams and athletes. In my opinion number one in his field -- Mark Taylor, Performance Director - Blackburn Rovers, Bolton Wanderers, Newcastle United, Fulham FC and Sunderland FC Dr Freeman is one of the foremost sports doctors with a true compassion and care for the people he works with. The ability to treat the person whilst prioritising their performance needs is a rare skill he possesses -- Paul Manning, Olympic Team Pursuit champion and Olympic Women's Team Pursuit coach Dr Freeman is a compassionate doctor who is fully committed to a patient-centred focus -- Dr Steve Peters, author of The Chimp Paradox and team psychologist at Team Sky BMX is a war of attrition. Without Dr Freeman, my career would have been shorter and less successful. From becoming World Champion, to keeping my Olympic dreams alive after major injuries just months before the London and Rio Olympics. Dr Freeman was there through it all, always with my health his priority -- Liam Phillips, BMX World Champion Knowing Dr Richard Freeman as I do, I can promise you this: you'll be a much better prepared and informed sportsperson as a result of reading this book -- Sam Allardyce, former England and Premier League football manager Dr Freeman is a man of great integrity and kindness. His care has helped me through the good times and the hardships of competing in the highest level of sport -- Sir Bradley Wiggins, Olympic champion and Tour de France winner