FORMER Tour de France cyclist Charly Wegelius, who honed his world-class riding skills on the roads of York and North Yorkshire, has had his searing autobiography named in the initial list for the William Hill Sports Book of the Year award.

“Domestique The True Life Ups And Downs Of A Tour Pro” is among 17 confirmed on the opening list – “the longest long list” in the 25-year history of the award.

Other titles include “Running My Life” by Lord Coe and “Stillness And Speed”, the autobiography of former Holland and Arsenal football ace Dennis Bergkamp.

A panel, including broadcasters John Inverdale and Danny Kelly, and sports journalists Hugh McIvanney and Alyson Rudd, will pare the 17 to a short list.

The book by former VC York cycling club ace Wegelius was descibed by The Press deputy sports editor Tony Kelly as “insightful, illuminating and, often, sad” in his review in The Press in July.