The Flying Scotsman

1. Overcoming childhood adversity shapes Obree's resilience and drive

"I was the tag-along child on a good day, but when I was seven an event happened that mired what hope I had into the ground."

Childhood trauma: Graeme Obree's early years were marked by severe bullying, social isolation, and traumatic experiences. As a child of a police officer in a small Scottish town, he was ostracized and subjected to physical and emotional abuse from his peers. This included being excluded from school trips and being the target of violence.

Coping mechanisms: To survive emotionally, Obree developed a detached persona, viewing himself as an observer rather than a participant in his own life. This coping mechanism, while protective, contributed to his feelings of isolation and disconnection from society that would persist into adulthood.

Resilience and escape: Cycling became Obree's refuge and means of escape. It provided him with freedom, a sense of accomplishment, and a way to avoid confrontations. This early relationship with cycling laid the foundation for his future career and innovations in the sport.

2. Innovative bicycle design leads to world records and championships

"I had decided that I would build the bike I had in mind and break the all-time record held by Francesco Moser."

Old Faithful: Obree's most famous innovation was his bike nicknamed "Old Faithful," built using parts from a washing machine. This unconventional design, coupled with his unique riding position, allowed him to break the world hour record in 1993.

Technical innovations:

• Narrow bottom bracket to reduce aerodynamic drag
• Elevated chainstays to allow for a more compact riding position
• Custom handlebars to facilitate the "Obree Position" (arms tucked close to the body)

Championship success: Using his innovative designs and riding techniques, Obree won the individual pursuit world championship in 1993 and 1995. His success challenged conventional wisdom in cycling and inspired other athletes to experiment with new approaches to the sport.

3. Mental health struggles and substance abuse plague Obree's career

"I was so despondent that in the end I was drinking cans of beer on the sly to dull down my misery, and at that time it was also the third anniversary of my brother's death and I found it impossible to avoid the thoughts that took me right back to our unhappy childhood together."

Bipolar tendencies: Throughout his career, Obree experienced extreme mood swings, alternating between periods of intense focus and productivity and deep depression. These fluctuations significantly impacted his performance and personal life.

Substance abuse: To cope with his mental health issues, Obree turned to alcohol and other substances, including acetylene gas. This self-medication often exacerbated his problems and led to dangerous situations, including a near-fatal incident with acetylene gas.

Suicide attempts: Obree's mental health struggles culminated in multiple suicide attempts, the most severe of which occurred in Geneva in 1998. This incident led to his hospitalization and subsequent treatment in a mental health facility.

4. Perseverance and dedication fuel Obree's comeback attempts

"I managed to get my form up to mediocre despite my continuing mental block about hard training."

Training philosophy: Despite his mental health challenges, Obree developed a unique and intense training regimen. He relied heavily on feel and intuition, often using a static trainer to gauge his performance and readiness.

Comeback efforts:

• After losing his world hour record, Obree regained it in 1994
• He won his second world championship in 1995 after being disqualified in 1994
• Multiple attempts to return to top-level competition after periods of retirement or poor form

Motivation cycles: Obree's comebacks were often fueled by brief periods of intense motivation and focus. However, these were frequently followed by crashes in mood and motivation, creating a cyclical pattern in his career.

5. The cycling world's resistance to change challenges Obree's innovations

"I was riding to annihilation like a metronomic robot, still totally in my groove with over 1km still to go, and at this point, I had ignored more safety alarms from my body than I had ever done before..."

UCI regulations: The Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) repeatedly changed rules to outlaw Obree's innovations, including his riding positions and bike designs. This forced him to constantly adapt and reinvent his approach.

Establishment resistance: Many in the cycling world, including some officials and fellow competitors, were skeptical or outright hostile to Obree's unconventional methods. This created additional pressure and challenges for him throughout his career.

Legacy of innovation: Despite the resistance, Obree's innovations eventually influenced the broader world of cycling. His "Superman" position, while banned for a time, inspired similar aerodynamic riding positions that are now common in time trials and track events.

6. Family support and personal relationships provide stability amid turmoil

"Anne said that she had been concerned about me for a long time and that she had arranged to see Martin's doctor friend privately in Glasgow to see what he thought."

Supportive wife: Anne, Obree's wife, provided crucial support throughout his career and personal struggles. She advocated for his mental health treatment and stood by him during his lowest moments.

Family dynamics: Obree's relationship with his parents and siblings, particularly his brother Gordon, played a significant role in his life. The death of his brother in a car accident deeply affected Obree and contributed to his mental health challenges.

Friendships in cycling: Despite his often solitary nature, Obree formed meaningful friendships within the cycling community. These relationships, such as with fellow cyclist Chris Boardman, provided both support and friendly rivalry.

7. Obree's legacy as a maverick and innovator in cycling endures

"Superman noun 1. 'an exceptionally intelligent person or one with exceptional skill in a particular area of activity'."

Technical innovations: Obree's bike designs and riding positions, while controversial at the time, pushed the boundaries of what was possible in cycling. Many of his ideas have since been adopted or adapted in various forms.

Inspirational figure: His story of overcoming adversity and challenging the establishment has inspired many both within and outside the cycling world. Obree's willingness to think differently and persevere against odds resonates with many people.

Cultural impact: Obree's life and achievements have been the subject of books, films, and documentaries, cementing his place in cycling history and popular culture.

8. The pursuit of excellence comes at a high personal cost

"I knew that I could not stand to be alive any longer with my self-hatred and pointlessness."

Physical toll: Obree's intense training and racing regimen, combined with his unconventional riding positions, placed enormous strain on his body. He often pushed himself to the brink of physical collapse in pursuit of his goals.

Mental health consequences: The pressure of competition, public scrutiny, and his own expectations exacerbated Obree's mental health issues. His pursuit of cycling excellence often came at the cost of his emotional well-being.

Personal sacrifices:

• Strained relationships due to the demands of his career
• Financial instability as he focused on cycling at the expense of other opportunities
• Difficulty transitioning to life after professional cycling

Legacy of struggle: Obree's story serves as a cautionary tale about the potential costs of single-minded pursuit of athletic achievement, highlighting the importance of mental health support for athletes.

Last updated: October 22, 2024