Bradley Wiggins

Bradley Wiggins won his first Olympic gold medal during the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens, in the individual pursuit. This victory was the first of several Olympic golds for Wiggins and marked the beginning of his ascent to becoming one of the most successful British Olympians. Before this gold, in the same Olympics, he had already won a silver medal in the team pursuit and later added a bronze in the madison. His performance in Athens laid the foundation for a stellar Olympic career across multiple Games.

Bradley Wiggins made history by becoming the first British cyclist to win the Tour de France. The 2012 Tour de France was the 99th edition of the race, and Wiggins led the race after stage 7 and maintained his lead all the way to the finish. Winning the prestigious yellow jersey, he secured his place in history by finishing ahead of his nearest rival, Chris Froome, in what was a dominant performance by Team Sky. Wiggins's victory was significant not only for British cycling but also for the wider sporting community in the UK.

On August 1, 2012, Bradley Wiggins won the gold medal in the men's time trial at the London 2012 Olympics. This victory added to his illustrious career, coming shortly after his Tour de France triumph. The event took place around the grounds of Hampton Court Palace and Wiggins's winning ride was a proud moment for the host nation. His performance was commanding, and he finished 42 seconds ahead of the silver medalist, Tony Martin of Germany. Wiggins's gold was one of the highlights of the London 2012 Olympics for Team GB.

After his success in the Tour de France and Olympics in 2012, Bradley Wiggins enjoyed further triumph by winning the gold medal in the time trial event during the UCI Road World Championships in the same year. This victory, on September 15, added to his accomplishments of the year, underscoring his position as one of the top cyclists in the world. The world championship gold showcased Wiggins's dominance in the time trial discipline and played a part in elevating the status of British cycling on the global stage.

After his historic victory in the 2012 Tour de France and his successes in the 2012 London Olympics, Bradley Wiggins was knighted in the Queen's Birthday Honours for services to cycling. The ceremony took place in 2013, and Wiggins became officially known as Sir Bradley Wiggins. This accolade was a recognition of his contributions to the sport of cycling and his role in inspiring a new generation of cyclists in the UK. The knighthood was a significant milestone in Wiggins's career and highlighted his impact on British sports culture.

Bradley Wiggins won the UCI Road World Championships time trial in Ponferrada, Spain, earning him the title of world champion in the individual time trial. On September 21, 2014, Wiggins completed the 47.1-kilometre course in 56 minutes and 25.52 seconds, finishing more than 26 seconds ahead of German rider Tony Martin. This victory was not only a personal achievement but also significant for British cycling as Wiggins continued to demonstrate his prowess beyond the grand tours. The win was celebrated by fans and marked another high point in his illustrious career.

In 2016, Bradley Wiggins formed his own UCI continental cycling team, named 'Team WIGGINS'. On March 25th of that year, he competed in the Six Day London event, representing his team and highlighting his enthusiasm for track cycling and his dedication to nurturing young talent. The creation of Team WIGGINS aimed to provide young riders with opportunities to develop in a professional environment. The focus on track cycling, alongside traditional road cycling, was part of Wiggins's vision to maintain his link to the sport and to foster new British cycling talent.

On June 5, 2016, Bradley Wiggins set a new UCI hour record by cycling 54.526 kilometers in one hour at the Lee Valley VeloPark in London. The hour record is one of the most prestigious records in cycling, challenging riders to cover as much distance as possible within 60 minutes. Wiggins's feat broke the previous record of 52.937 kilometers and marked a significant achievement in his track cycling career. The record attempt drew considerable attention and highlighted Wiggins's versatility and enduring talent.

Bradley Wiggins won his fifth Olympic gold medal as part of the British team pursuit squad at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics. The victory in team pursuit added to his collection of Olympic medals, making him the most decorated British Olympian at the time. Wiggins and his teammates set a new world record time in the final against Australia, further showcasing their dominance on the track. This gold medal marked the culmination of Wiggins's Olympic career, and he announced his retirement from professional cycling later that year.

On December 28, 2016, Bradley Wiggins officially announced his retirement from professional cycling. His career spanned over 15 years and included numerous accolades, including Tour de France victory and multiple Olympic gold medals. Wiggins's retirement marked the end of an era for British cycling, as he had been at the forefront of its rise on the international stage during the 2000s and 2010s. His announcement reflected on his accomplishments and his desire to focus on personal life and new ventures beyond competitive cycling.