‘Nations weren’t happy that a bunch of randomers from Derby were beating them’ – Dan Bigham’s journey from treason to Olympic track

A few weeks ago, a funny thing happened. A chunk of money dropped into Dan Bigham’s bank account. This was in remuneration for his services as a rider on the Great Britain team for the upcoming Olympics in Paris. It was funny because it was the first time Bigham had ever been paid to turn a set of pedals. He could, for the first time, call himself a professional bike rider. 

Bizarre as that may sound for a former World and European Champion, an Hour Record holder, and a potential Olympic gold medallist in a couple of weeks’ time, it is technically true.