Life and Death: A Cycling Memoir

In this interview with Rachel de Bear, Bridie O’Donnell talks about her freshly baked book, and the wide-ranging challenges sportswomen face, especially in the world of pro cycling.

Bridie O'Donnell after setting the women's UCI Hour Record in January 2016 (Getty) Source: Getty Images

Former pro cyclist Bridie O’Donnell sums up her book early on: “unfiltered, unvarnished and caked in sweat.”

And she sure doesn’t sugercoat it: there are many joyous moments but pursuing greatness as a woman and an athlete is extremely challenging.

In this interview with Rachel de Bear, O’Donnell talks about her freshly baked book, and the wide-ranging challenges sportswomen face, especially in the world of pro cycling.

She also tells us what she’s hoping to achieve in her current role as the Victorian

Office for Women in Sport and Recreation

and tackles all these issues as eloquently and effervescently as ever.

You can find Life and Death: A Cycling Memoir in all good book stores or order it online directly from

Slattery Press

She is planning a few book readings and signings, with dates/times to be confirmed so follow her at

@Bridie_OD

to stay on top of the deets.

O'Donnell sets UCI hour record

Follow SBS Sport

Watch the FIFA World Cup 2026™, Tour de France, Tour de France Femmes, Giro d’Italia, Vuelta a España, Dakar Rally, World Athletics / ISU Championships (and more) via SBS On Demand – your free live streaming and catch-up service. Read more about Sport

Watch now