Tour de France 2009: Bradley Wiggins secures fourth place with magnificent ride - Telegraph Cycling Tour de France 2009: Bradley Wiggins secures fourth place with magnificent ride The fierce Provencial sun and the mistral wind set Mont Ventoux ablaze on Saturday, but that was quickly dealt with by the fire fighters. It was the riders, and their heroics, that fired the imagination most and left the warmest glow. By Brendan Gallagher at Mont Ventoux 7:06PM BST 25 Jul 2009 The best part of a million people crowded onto the mountain to watch Alberto Contador be annointed as the 2009 champion, to wonder at Lance Armstrong’s enduring competitive will and, if you are British, to shout yourself hoarse as a grimacing Bradley Wiggins clawed his way up to secure a magnificent fourth place overall and equal Robert Millar’s previous British best of 1984. It was compelling drama but Ventoux lends itself perfectly to that. It exposes everybody’s fault lines, especially in the strong gusting winds that hit the riders front on as they emerged from the treeline, climbing away from Chalet Reynard.

Spain’s Juan Manuel Garate won the stage - with fellow escapee and potential future Tour de France winner Tony Martin in second place - but it is their misfortune that few will remember that. The real action was taking place behind them with the dust up for podium postions behind the majestic Contador and Andy Schleck. Wiggins, who started fourth overall, was magnificent in defending his position and has been the revelation of the Tour. Fighting off a known mountain specialist like Frank Schleck, who started just 23 second behind him, and dealing with the multi-talented Andreas Kloden was a superb achievement for a man hardly built to conquer mountains. Wiggins is a huge talent, possibly the best all-round cyclist Britain had ever produced. As a triple Olympic gold medallist on the track he has always possessed one of the best engines in the peloton, but until this year - needing a new challenge after Beijing - he has never committed totally to the road.

Related Articles Contador broke team orders 23 Jul 2009 He has shed a stone in weight and now bases himself in Girona, but also he has belatedly started believing he can be a star turn and not just a Prologue rider and a wisecracking patron of the grupetto on mountain days. Wiggins was suffering like never before at the top and was clinging on desperately to his fourth place as he passed the Tom Simpson memorial. He was head down in the zone but other British riders down the field made their own gestures. David Millar threw a cap with RIP TOM written on it - a French spectator tried to grab it but was persuaded by British fans to let it be - while Mark Cavendish took his helmet off as he rode slowly past and Charles Wegelius gently lobbed his waterbottle in the general direction. As for Contador, his climbing is a joy to watch, up on his pedals tapping out a sinuous beat to his own secret rhythm. He even rolls his shoulders in time like a nightclub dancer and there was not a single moment on this Tour when he looked distressed in the high mountains.

Such consumate ease has aroused suspicion over the years - and cycling more than any sport must stay vigilant - but you do not need to be a sports scientist to see that Contador is simply a better and more efficient climber than anybody else and has made himself into a top time-triallist. Contador’s only serious problem this year has been the battle of wills with Armstrong, colleague but clearly bitter rivals. “The situation was tricky,” admitted Contador last night. “It was tough because we both wanted to win the GC and it just does not work like that. He will be a tough rival in 2010, he has shown that.” The Spaniard, who also won in 2007, was placed in an intolerable position by Astana’s recruitment of Armstrong and it was always going to cause friction, which it duly did. Contador could have done without the hassle but Armstrong thrived on it and you have to doff your hat towards somebody approaching their 38th birthday who was retired for more than three years and shattered a collarbone in four places back in late March. Armstrong was delighted with third place overall. “Not bad for an old fart like me,” said the American. “I can’t complain.

It seemed like half of America was on the mountain and all of France. The huge crowd helped keep the wind off the riders. My tactics were simple – follow Wiggins and then Frank Schleck. I felt good and I had the legs to do it.” Tested more than 40 times since his comeback, his podium finish can be seen as validating his previous triumphs, which many have doubted. Despite the charity element of his comeback that validation was the main reason for his comeback. He will have slept well. Tour de France details Stage 20: 167km, climb from Montélimar to Mont Ventoux: 1. Juan Manuel Garate (Spain, Rabobank) 4 hours, 39 minutes, 21 seconds, 2. Tony Martin (Germany, Team Columbia-High Road) 3 seconds behind. 3. Andy Schleck (Luxembourg, Team Saxo Bank) :38. 4. Alberto Contador (Spain, Astana) same time. 5. Lance Armstrong (United States, Astana) :41. 6. Frank Schleck (Luxembourg, Team Saxo Bank) :43. 7.

Roman Kreuziger (Czech Republic, Liquigas) :46. 8. Franco Pellizotti (Italy, Liquigas) :56. 9. Vincenzo Nibali (Italy, Liquigas) :58. 10. Bradley Wiggins (Britain, Garmin-Slipstream) 1:03. Overall: 1. Alberto Contador (Spain, Astana) 81:46:17. 2. Andy Schleck (Luxembourg, Team Saxo Bank) 4:11. 3. Lance Armstrong (United States, Astana) 5:24. 4. Bradley Wiggins (Britain, Garmin-Slipstream) 6:01. 5. Frank Schleck (Luxembourg, Team Saxo Bank) 6:04. 6. Andreas Kloeden (Germany, Astana) 6:42. 7. Vincenzo Nibali (Italy, Liquigas) 7:35. 8. Christian Vande Velde (United States, Garmin-Slipstream) 12:04. 9.

Roman Kreuzige (Czech Republic, Liquigas) 14:16. 10. Christophe Le Mevel (France, Francaise des Jeux) 14:25.

ABOUT ME - Teams: Team Sky (2010 - Present), Team Barloworld (2008 - 2009), Konica Minolta (2007) Palmarés 2016 Tour de France - 1st stage 8 2016 Criterium du Dauphine - 1st overall, 1st stage 5 2016 Tour de Romandie - 1st stage 4 2016 Herald Sun Tour - 1st overall, 1st mountains classification, 1st stage 4 2015 Tour de France - 1st overall, 1st mountains classification, 1st stage 10 2015 Criterium du Dauphine - 1st overall, 1st stage 7, 1st stage 8 2015 Tour de Romandie - 3rd overall, 1st stage 1 (TTT) 2015 Vuelta a Andalucia - 1st overall, 1st points classification, 1st stage 4 2014 Tour de Romandie - 1

st overall, 2nd stage 3, 1st stage 5 (ITT) 2014 Tour of Oman - 1st overall, 1st stage 5 2013 Tour de France - 1st overall, 1st stage 8, 1st stage 15, 1st stage 17 (ITT) 2013 Criterium du Dauphine - 1st overall, 1st Stage 5 2013 Tour de Romandie - 1st overall, 1st Prologue 2013 Tirreno-Adriatico - 2nd overall, 1st Stage 4 2013 Criterium International - 1st overall, 1st Stage 3 2013 Tour of Oman - 1st overall, 1st Points Classification, 1st Stage 5 2012 London Olympics Individual TT - Bronze 2012 Tour de France - 2nd overall, 1st Stage 7 2012 Criterium du Daupine - 4th overall 2011 Vuelta a Espana -

 2nd overall, 1st Stage 17, 2nd Stage 10 2011 Tour of Beijing - 3rd overall; 3rd Stage 3 2010 British National Time Trial Championships - 2nd 2009 Giro del Capo II - 1st 2008 Giro dell'Appennino - 3rd 2008 Giro del Capo - 2nd overall 2007 Tour of Japan - 1st stage six 2007 Giro delle Regione - 2nd stage three; 1st stage five 2006 Tour of Mauritius - 1st overall; 1st stages two & three 2005 Tour of Mauritius - 1st stage two The Climb The Climb by Chris Froome - the inspirational memoir from the British winner of the 100th edition of the Tour de France The Climb tells the extraordinary story of Chris Froome's journey from a young boy in Kenya, riding through townships and past wild animals, and with few opportunities for an aspiring cyclist, to his unforgettable yellow jersey victory in the 2013 Tour

 de France.

A journey unlike any other in the history of cycling, Froome has crossed continents, overcome the death of his mother and conquered debilitating illness to follow his dreams and represent Team GB and Team Sky. He has experienced soaring triumphs, humbling defeats, a public rivalry with Bradley Wiggins and, most recently, the pressures of Lance Armstrong's legacy. Extraordinary, revealing and life-affirming, The Climb is a story of determination, hardship and unimaginable success. Chris Froome was born in Nairobi in 1985 to British parents. He was educated and raised in South Africa and now races for Team GB and Team Sky. In 2011 he finished second overall in the Vuelta a España. In 2012 he finished runner-up to Bradley Wiggins in the Tour de France and won the Bronze medal in the Time Trial at the Olympic Games. Froome amassed five stage-race victories in 2013, with triumphs at the Tour of Oman, Criterium International, Tour de Romandie and Criterium du Dauphine leading into a dominant win at the 100th Tour de France.

He won the prestigious Velo d'Or award for best rider of 2013 and was shortlisted for the 2013 BBC Sports Personality of the Year Award. Purchase the climb on Amazon.co.uk: I think it's brilliant that we'll go to a Tour de France starting in our home country with the reigning champion. The key to (Chris's) success is his mental resilience. He might look like an unlikely strong man at first glance, but I wouldn't let that fool you. Beneath the surface there is a real fighter. He's a tough guy Sir Dave Brailsford Chris Froome is an absolutely phenominal athlete. It blows my mind how incredible his performances have been. Victoria Pendleton Even though we don't see each other so much anymore he has lived in my dreams. He (was) wearing the yellow jersey every day and I almost felt I was wearing it myself. David Kinjah (Chris Froome's former cycling mentor and coach, Safari Simbaz) Just a few years ago we did not have anyone who could podium, but now we have two cyclists who can win the Tour in consecutive years. It is a phenomenal achievement and what Chris has done is phenomenal.

Sir Chris Hoy Bradley Wiggins | Cycling Info Bradley Wiggins Olympic Gold invidual pursuit (2004 + 2008) Giro d'Italia, Prologue time trial 2010 4th Tour De France 2009 Holder of yellow jersey Critérium du Dauphiné Libéré 2011 National Time Trial Championships (2009, 2010) Olympic Gold invidual pursuit (2004 + 2008) Bradley Wiggins, OBE was born 28 April 1980 in Ghent, Belgium. Bradley grew up in London where he developed an interest in cycling from an early age. He first started racing at Herne Hill Velodrome at the age of 12. At the age of 20 he competed in his first Olympics winning bronze in the team pursuit. By the Athens Olympics of 2004, Bradley had become won of the leading track pursuiters and he won Gold in the 4,000 Km pursuit, silver in the team sprint and a bronze with Rob Hayles in the team Madison.

His tally of 3 medals has rarely been accomplished by any British Olympian. Shortly afterwards he was awarded an OBE. Despite his success, Bradley remains modest, speaking of his success to BBC he said: ï¿½I was told a medal was still possible but this sort of thing only happens to other people. I never thought this could happen to me.ï¿½ Bradley became a full time professional cyclist in 2001, riding for the short lived Linda McCartney team. He has also ridden for Francais de Jeux, Credit Agricole and Cofidis. Success on the road has proved more difficult than on the track. However, 2007 saw a good Tour de France, finishing 4th in the prologue time trial and staging a long lone break on stage 6, where he was out in front for most of the day. Unfortunately for Bradley, his team, Cofidis were forced to later leave the tour when teammate Christian Moreni failed a drugs test. Helped by the ethos of British cycling, Bradley has developed a good reputation for discouraging the use of doping in the professional scene.

Speaking of the pressure involved in being a cyclist, with so much riding on 4-10 minutes, Bradley remains philosophical about the pressures involved. ï¿½Iï¿½ve learnt to deal with it because if you stick to the truth itï¿½s actually clear and simple. Itï¿½s just a case of going from point A to B as fast as you can. Why be overawed by the occasion – just because youï¿½ve got a chance to win the opening stage of the worldï¿½s biggest race or because three million people are watching on television?ï¿½ source: Guardian In the 2008, World Track Championships, Bradley won Gold in the 4km Pursuit, he was also a member of the world record breaking team pursuit, who set a new record. In 2008, Bradley rode for the team High Pursuit. 2008 Beijing Olympics Gold Medal in 4Km Pursuit.

Also set new Olympic Record of 4 mins 15.03 in qualifying Madison (ninth with Mark Cavendish) Team Pursuit gold medal Two gold medals were a remarkable achievement becoming one of the few British Olympians to win two gold medals in different events. The only downside to the remarkable Olympics was finishing ninth in the Madison which Wiggins put down to tiredness after racing the pursuit. 2009 Tour De France Bradley Wiggins finished 4th in the 2009 Tour de France behind Alberto Contandor, Andy Schleck and Lance Armstrong. . He may have finished on the podium had it not been for a few seconds lost when the peleton split on a flat stage. Bradley finished second in the prologue and his team Garmin Slip Stream finished second in the team trial. After losing several kilos during 2009, Bradley’s climbing improved substantially enabling him to stay with the leading riders on most of the mountain stages. This was the best British finisher since Robert Millar who also finished 4th in the early 1980s Bradley Takes success in his stride at BBC British Time Trial Championship 2009 Bradley Wiggins in 2009 British Time Trial Championship.

He won, beating Michael Hutchinson by 2 mins. I finished 28th and had time to take this photo at end of race. 2010 For the 2010 Season Bradley Wiggins signed for UK Outfit - Team Sky. This was seen as the dream move because it was headed by David Brailsford who had been in close contact with Wiggins at British Cycling. After finishing 4th in the 2009 Tour, the 2010 proved relatively dissappointing with Wiggins finishing in 24th place overall. However, the dissappointment was more due to the high expectations that were generated after Wiggins 4th place the previous year. In the Giro d'Italia, Wiggins finished 1st in the individual prologue, briefly wearing the coveted pink jersey in the race. 2011 Wiggins finished 3rd overall in Paris-Nice. He finished first in the TT Stage 4 of Bayern-Rundfahrt, giving Fabian Cancellera a rare defeat in time trials. In the same stage race, he also helped team mate Geraint Thomas to overal victory.

After finishing second in the prologue, Wiggins took overall race lead in the Critérium du Dauphiné Libéré He won the British 10 mile time trial championship in a time of 19.14 Bradley Wiggins wins Paris-Nice after final time trial - BBC Sport Bradley Wiggins wins Paris-Nice after final time trial 11 Mar 2012 Read more about sharing. Bradley Wiggins became only the second Briton to win the Paris-Nice race after triumphing in Sunday's final stage. The Team Sky rider went into the final stage, a 9.6km time trial in Col d'Eze, with a six-second lead over his nearest challenger, Dutchman Lieuwe Westra. Wiggins crossed the line in 19 minutes and 12 seconds, two seconds faster then Westra, to extend his winning margin.

Bradley Wiggins Born 28 April 1980 in Belgium, where Australian father Gary was a road racer Raised in London by his mother On professional road racing circuit since 2001 In 2004 became first British athlete for 40 years to win three medals at one Olympics Won Olympic gold for individual pursuit in 2004 and 2008, and for team pursuit in 2008 Also won Olympic silver in team pursuit in 2004 and bronze in 2004 madison and 2000 team pursuit 4th place in 2009 Tour de France, equalling best by a British cyclist Crashed out of 2011 Tour de France with broken collarbone 2012 Paris-Nice winner The only previous British winner of the Paris-Nice was Wiggins's childhood idol Tom Simpson in 1967. Although Simpson collapsed and died later that year on the slopes of the Mont Ventoux during the Tour de France, Wiggins - who was born in 1980 - has always spoken of how Simpson has inspired him.

Speaking after the event, Wiggins said: "I know my cycling history and this is an enormous achievement. "It's an honour to be up there with Tom Simpson." Alejandro Valverde was third overall, one minute and 10 seconds behind Wiggins. Wiggins had kept the leader's yellow jersey for seven days in the race, which is popularly known as the race to the sun. The Olympic track goal medallist found himself two seconds behind Westra halfway through the stage, and rode a frenetic finish to win. "It was a very tough final time trial and I knew that Westra was very strong," said Wiggins. "But in terms of pressure it was nothing compared to an Olympic track final. "You can enjoy the moment. I was confident of my ability and I rode it perfect." Paris-Nice final standings: 1st: Bradley Wiggins (Gbr) - 28 hours, 12 minutes, 16 seconds.

2nd: Lieuwe Westra (Ned) 8 seconds behind 3rd: Alejandro Valverde (Spa) - 1 min 10 secs 4th: Simon Spilak (Slo) - 1 min 24 secs 5th: Tejay Van Garderen (USA) - 1 min 54 secs Share this page Tour de France 2009: Bradley Wiggins relieved 'it is over' after sealing fourth spot - Telegraph Cycling Tour de France 2009: Bradley Wiggins relieved 'it is over' after sealing fourth spot Bradley Wiggins has said finishing the Tour de France was like "getting out of prison" after he claimed fourth place. By John MacLeary 9:23PM BST 26 Jul 2009 Wiggins became the highest placed British finisher since Robert Millar in 1984 when he finished fourth after the Garmin-Slipstream completed 21 days of racing in Paris on Sunday. The Londoner, 29, whose massive weight-loss helped him in the mountains, said he is glad the biggest road race in the world is finally over.

"It's a huge relief it is finally over," he said. "It's a bit like getting out of prison. I won't know what to do with myself next week. "I won't have to eat rice and omelette every morning, and get on a bus. It's been mind-blowing these three weeks. Related Articles Contador clinches overall victory 25 Jul 2009 "I never thought when starting in Monaco that I'd see the end of the Tour. It's been so successful." Wiggins, a triple-Olympic gold medallist on the track, hinted the he will focus on the road from now on as he looks to build on his phenomenal success. "I really didn't expect to be in this position this year," he said. "I thought I could get in the top 20. But to finish fourth changes everything for the future now, whether I even go back to the track. "Getting fourth place and equalling the great Robert Millar, and surpassing the even greater Tom Simpson, is pretty special. I do realise what I've achieved. "Everyone watches the Tour, I grew up watching it. It's the biggest race in the world.

To be part of it is fantastic, to do something like this is beyond words." Meanwhile, Mark Cavendish who won a sixth stage as he became the first Briton to triumph on the final day in Paris was full of praise for his former team-mate and Madison partner at the Beijing Olympics. "It's been an amazing Tour for British cycling," said the Manxman. "Bradley did an incredible job. He's been consistent throughout even though it's his first time he's really contended the GC [general classification] and I'm really proud of him. "We can both go home with our heads held high." Brits on Tour: every British rider to ride the Tour ... Sponsored by Dan McLay became the 66th British rider to start the Tour de France when the 24-year-old Fortuneo-Vital Concept sprinter rolled out from Mont-Saint-Michel for stage one of the 2016 race. After two Brits – Charles Holland and Bill Burl – went where no British riders had gone before by starting the 1937 Tour de France, it was the British team of 1955 which truly blazed a trail.

Since then, there have only been three Tours without a British rider on the startline – in 1976, 2004 and 2005. So which British riders have earned a spot in cycling’s greatest race during its 103 editions? And how did they fare? Here’s the full list – and their Tour highlights. Brian Robinson, part of the 1955 British Tour de France team and Britain’s first ever Tour stage winner, blazed a trail for the likes of Ben Swift and his Team Sky team-mates to follow (pic: York Council, via Flickr Creative Commons) Related Articles Three Brits in young AnPost-Chain Reaction Cycles line-up for 2017 1930s It was not until 1937, the 31st edition of the Tour de France, that British riders entered the race for the first time, with two Brits in the three-strong British Empire team (Canadian Pierre Gachon was the other rider).

Charles Holland (1937) An Olympic team pursuit bronze medallist, Holland was the more successful of the two Brits to enter in 1937, but abandoned after several mechanical issues on stage 14C in the Pyrenees. Bill Burl (1937) London-born Bill Burl’s role in 1937 is remembered less than Holland’s, because he was forced to abandon with a broken collarbone on stage two after colliding with a photographer. 1950s The first British team ever to enter the Tour de France, during a period when it was raced by national teams, did so in 1955. Of the ten-strong line-up, two men finished. In 1958, Brian Robinson became the first British rider to win a stage of the Tour de France. Dave Bedwell (1955) Essex-born Dave Bedwell won four stages of the inaugural Tour of Britain in 1951, and took a further nine in his career; a British champion at amateur, semi-pro, and pro level he abandoned his only Tour de France on stage three.

Tony Hoar (1955) One of two Brits to finish the 1955 Tour de France, Hampshire’s Tony Hoar was the lanterne rouge, finishing last in 69th place. Stan Jones (1955) Stan Jones was one of two riders from the Concorde Club to form part of the British team, but missed the time cut on stage seven in the Alps after suffering several punctures. Fred Krebs (1955) Austrian-born Fred Krebs was a top-ten finisher at the inaugural Tour of Europe and at Liege-Bastogne-Liege, but a knee injury curtailed his only Tour de France. Bob Maitland (1955) The other of two Concorde Club members selected, Bob Maitland was a two-time British hill climb champion and 1948 Olympic silver medallist but abandoned on stage nine after a crash. Ken Mitchell (1955) A nasty saddle sore curtailed Yorkshireman Ken Mitchell’s sole Tour de France, though he did go on to finish runner-up at the Tour of Britain later that year.

Bernard Pusey (1955) A Commonwealth Games bronze medallist the previous year, and Tour of Ireland winner, Bernard Pusey abandoned the Tour de France on stage two. Ian Steel (1955) Scot Ian Steel won the 1951 Tour of Britain and 1952 Peace Race but, as one of the few non-Hercules team riders in the British setup was forced to ride as a domestique in his only Tour de France and abandoned, demoralised, in the mountains. Bevis Wood (1955) Lancastrian Bev Wood enjoyed domestic success in the early 1950s, but abandoned the 1955 Tour de France on stage three. Related Articles Three Brits in young AnPost-Chain Reaction Cycles line-up for 2017 Brian Robinson (1955-1961) The most famous of Britain’s first ever Tour de France team, Yorkshireman Brian Robinson finished the 1955 race in 29th place overall, which earned him professional contracts in Europe and Tour de France berths thereafter with mixed international teams.

Britain’s first ever Tour de France stage winner Brian Robinson with five-time champion Bernard Hinault (pic: SWPix.com) In 1958, he won stage seven of the Tour de France in Brest, after Arigo Padovan was relegated for irregular sprinting, and secured his second Tour stage win with a solo break to Chalon-sur-Saone. Robinson rode seven consecutive Tours in all, finishing five with a best result of 14th in 1956. A podium finisher at Milan-San Remo in 1957, Robinson also won the 1961 Criterium du Dauphine Libere. Stan Brittain (1958, 1960-1961) Twice a podium finisher at the Peace Race, Liverpool-born Stan Brittain rode the Tour de France three times, but only finished once – 66th place in 1958. Ron Coe (1958, 1961) The first ever winner of the professional British national road race, Yorkshireman Ron Coe started two Tours but completed just five stages in 1958 and four in 1961.

John Andrews (1959, 1960) One of the three ‘Nomades du Velo Anglais’, alongside Tony Hewson and Vic Sutton, John Andrews’ pursuit of success in Europe led to two Tour de France starts but he did not finish either. Tony Hewson (1959) A long mechanical delay due to a buckled wheel nearly cost Tony Hewson on the cobbled stage to Roubaix on stage three, but after finishing just inside the time cut he was not so lucky four days later when asked to wait for a team-mate. Victor Sutton (1959, 1960) Praised for his climbing by Fausto Coppi, Vic Sutton finished 37th in the 1959 Tour de France but according to a British coach at the time was unable to really fulfil his potential in Europe. 1960s Brits like Brian Robinson and Vic Sutton raced for mixed international teams in the late 1950s but British teams returned in the 1960s and with great success before the Tour reverted to trade teams only. Britain’s star of the 1960s, of course, was Tom Simpson.

The 1965 world champion became the first Brit to pull on the yellow jersey and his sixth place finish in 1962 remained the best British Tour de France result for two decades. John Kennedy (1960) Glaswegian John Kennedy turned pro in Europe in 1957. His only Tour de France, as part of the British team in 1960, ended in the Pyrenees during stage 12. Harry Reynolds (1960) Birmingham-born Harry Reynolds enjoyed success on British shores, but his only Tour de France ended during the 12th stage. Norman Sheil (1960) Liverpool-born World and Commonwealth track champion Norman Sheil finished second in the Paris-Ezy road race prior to the Tour de France, but abandoned after ten stages of his only Tour. Tom Simpson (1960-1962, 1964-1967) A man whose name will be forever linked to the Tour de France, 1965 world champion Simpson was the first Brit to pull on the yellow jersey and finished sixth overall in 1962 – at that point the best ever British result.

Tom Simpson was the first Brit to wear the yellow jersey (pic: Sirotti) But the Durham-born rider was to lose his life on Mont Ventoux during the 1967 Tour, after taking a combination of alcohol and amphetamines, which proved lethal in the Provence heat. Vin Denson (1961, 1964-1968) Vin Denson led Belgian champion Edward Sels out to four stage wins at the 1964 Tour de France, and won a stage of the 1966 Giro d’Italia, but Simpson’s death had a profound effect on him and he retired two years later. Albert Hitchen (1961, 1967) Multiple successes on British shores, including two national titles, earned him a spot on the British team in 1961 and 1967 but his Tour was very short-lived on both occasions. Ken Laidlaw (1961) Scottish rider Ken Laidlaw earned the combativity prize for his attack on the road to Superbagneres, and finished his only Tour in 65th place.

George O’Brien (1961) Merseysider George O’Brien enjoyed some success in local events, but his only Tour de France ended after three stages, by which point he was last on GC. Peter Ryalls (1961) Sheffield-born rider Peter Ryalls completed just the first three stages of his only Tour de France. Sean Ryan (1961) Only completed the first two stages of his sole Tour de France, but the Yorkshireman did go on to race in France for several years. Alan Ramsbottom (1962, 1963) Lancastrian Alan Ramsbottom rode two Tours in his first two years as a professional rider – his best finish of 16th in 1963 would have been even better, he believes, had he not been riding as a domestique. Barry Hoban (1964, 1967-1975, 1977, 1978) Yorkshireman Barry Hoban won eight Tour de France stages between 1967 and 1975, though his first win was tinged with sadness as it was gifted to the British team the day after Tom Simpson’s death.

Barry Hoban (second right) keeps a close eye on Eddy Merckx. Hoban won eight Tour de France stages (pic: Brian Townsley, via Flickr Creative Commons) In 1969, Hoban became the first Brit to win back-to-back Tour de France stages and still sits second on the all-time list of British stage winners at the Tour – only Mark Cavendish has more. Michael Wright (1964, 1965, 1967-1969, 1972-1974) Finished second on his first ever Tour de France stage. Though born in Hertfordshire his first language was actually French. Nevertheless, his British nationality helped earn him selection to the Tour de France and he won three stages of the race in all, in 1965, 1967 and 1973. Related Articles Three Brits in young AnPost-Chain Reaction Cycles line-up for 2017 Peter Chisman (1967) Won the 1963 Milk Race, having led from start to finish, but his only Tour de France lasted less than three days.

Peter Hill (1967) Finished fifth on stage three of his only Tour de France but abandoned the race two days later. Colin Lewis (1967, 1968) British road race champion in 1967 and 1968, the same two years he rode the Tour de France, Colin Lewis was actually the best-placed British finisher on Mont Ventoux the day of Simpson’s death. Arthur Metcalfe (1967, 1968) Another of the four Brits still in the 1967 race when Simpson died, Arthur Metcalfe finished the 1967 Tour in 69th place overall but did not finish the following year. Robert Addy (1968) Bob Addy’s only Tour de France lasted ten stages before he abandoned the race. John Clarey (1968) Londoner John Clarey won the Bournemouth Three Day in 1968, earning him Tour de France selection, and after coming fifth on stage nine he finished 63rd overall.

Derek Green (1968) Criterium success in Britain led to selection for the 1968 Tour de France, but Derek Green abandoned early in the race. Derek Harrison (1968, 1969) Birmingham-born Derek Harrison rode two Tours, abandoning his first before finishing 32nd overall at his second. Hugh Porter (1968) Hugh Porter finished seventh in the prologue of the 1968 Tour de France but injury forced him to abandon days later – which allowed extra time for him to prepare for the first of four world pursuit gold medals on the track. 1970s Barry Hoban was Britain’s star of the 1970s, but the number of Brits at the Tour de France dwindled. Indeed, the 1976 edition was the first without a British rider since 1955. And only two British riders – Bill Nickson and Paul Sherwen – made their Tour de France debut in the decade. Nevertheless, stage wins from Hoban and Michael Wright ensured a moderate helping of British success.

Bill Nickson (1977) After earning a pro contract with TI-Raleigh thanks to domestic success, Bill Nickson rode his only Tour de France in that same year, 1977, where he abandoned in the Alps. Paul Sherwen (1978-1982, 1984, 1985) Widnes-born Paul Sherwen rode seven Tours during his career, finishing five, and earned plaudits for his six-hour solo chase, over six mountains, at the 1985 Tour de France after crashing which, despite finishing outside the time limit, was rewarded with reinstatement. Sherwen is now best known for his Tour de France commentary with Phil Liggett. 1980s Success returned in 1980s, with Robert Millar becoming the first Brit to win one of the Tour’s classifications when he was crowned King of the Mountains in 1984. Only seven British riders rode the Tour during the decade, however, with the Scot the most successful.

Graham Jones (1980, 1981, 1983, 1984, 1987) A former Manchester United youth player, Cheadle-born Graham Jones opted for cycling instead and rode the Tour de France five times in all, finishing a career-best 20th in 1981. Robert Millar (1983-1993) Scottish ace Robert Millar was not only the first Brit to be crowned King of the Mountains at the Tour de France, but the first rider from any English-speaking country when he won the polka dot jersey in 1984. Robert Millar rides up Alpe d’Huez in 1984 on his way to being crowned King of the Mountains (pic: Sirotti) His fourth place finish at that year’s Tour proved to be his best, and stood as the best British performance ever at the Tour before Bradley Wiggins’ exploits. Millar won three Tour de France stages in all and also finished second at the 1985 and 1986 editions of the Vuelta a Espana and 1987 Giro d’Italia.

Sean Yates (1984-1995) Rode 12 consecutive Tours – a British record – primarily as a domestique but Sean Yates won a stage in 1988, took the British champion’s jersey all the way to Paris in 1992 and wore the yellow jersey for one day in 1994. Adrian Timmis (1987) British-based team ANC-Halfords received a wildcard to the 1987 Tour de France, and Adrian Timmis was their best-placed finisher in 70th place. Paul Watson (1987) Paul Watson finished sixth at the 1987 La Fleche Wallonne, earning a Tour de France start, but he did not finish his only Tour. Malcolm Elliott (1987, 1988) A stage and points classification winner at the Vuelta a Espana, Malcolm Elliott rode (and finished) two Tours with a best stage finish of third on stage 12 of the 1987 edition.

1990s While the 1990s were a lean decade for British cyclists in Europe in general, there was still at least one Brit in every Tour de France during the decade. Both Chris Boardman and Sean Yates pulled on the yellow jersey in 1994, with the former going on to do so again in 1997 and 1998. Max Sciandri (1990*, 1995-1998) Derby-born Max Sciandri was an Italian national on his Tour debut in 1990, but rode four Tours after taking British citizenship, winning a stage in 1995. Chris Boardman (1994-1999) Chris Boardman won his very first Tour de France stage with a record-breaking prologue in Lille in 1994 to pull on the yellow jersey. Chris Boardman won the prologues of the 1994, 1997 and 1998 Tours (pic: Sirotti) Boardman went onto wear the yellow jersey twice more after winning the opening stages in both 1997 and 1998.

Boardman also crashed out of several Tours, including while wearing the yellow jersey in 1998, leaving him with a career best GC finish of 39th in 1996. Related Articles Three Brits in young AnPost-Chain Reaction Cycles line-up for 2017 2000s British riders started the new millenium with a bang when David Millar won the opening stage of the 2000 race. It couldn’t last of course, and there weren’t any Brits at the 2004 and 2005 editions while Millar was suspended, but the decade ended with British riders – not least Mark Cavendish and Bradley Wiggins – at the forefront. David Millar (2000-2003, 2006-2013) Maltese-born Scot David Millar won a Tour de France stage at the first time of asking on his debut in 2000, a 16.5km time trial in the Futuroscope theme park which saw him pull on the yellow jersey.

He nearly repeated the feat in 2003, missing out to Bradley McGee after his chain dropped in the final 500m after his Cofidis team opted to ride bikes without front derailleurs. David Millar wore all four Tour de France jerseys during his career (pic: Sirotti) A two-year ban for doping halted Millar’s progress, but he pulled on the polka dot jersey in 2007 after a day in the breakaway en route to Cantebury – making him the first Brit to wear all four Tour de France jerseys. Millar, who also became the first Brit to lead all three Grand Tours during a career, won the last of his four Tour de France stages in 2012. Sir Bradley Wiggins (2006, 2007, 2009-2012) Originally better known for his exploits on the track, Bradley Wiggins’ Tour de France breakthrough came in his third Tour, when he finished fourth in 2009 (later retro-respectively upgraded to third, and therefore the first British podium finish).

Bradley Wiggins roars across the finish line of the 2012 time trial stage in Chartres (pic: Sirotti) Wiggins crashed out of the 2011 race, when he was among the favourites, with a broken collar, but roared back in 2012 to become the first ever British Tour de France winner. The race also proved to be his last Tour, making him one of few riders to end their Tour de France career on the Paris podium. Mark Cavendish (2007-2016) The Manx Missile, Mark Cavendish, made his Tour de France debut in 2007, won his first four stages the following year and took 16 stage wins across the next three years when the HTC team were at their very best.

Mark Cavendish pulls on the yellow jersey for the first time in his career after his 27th Tour de France stage win in 2016 (pic: Sirotti) Cavendish became the first Brit to top the points classification when he won the green jersey in 2011 and then realised a career goal of pulling on the yellow jersey after winning stage one of the 2016 race. Victory on stage three of that same race took Cavendish joint-second on the all-time list of Tour stage wins with 28, before he moved cleared of Bernard Hinault with yet another triumph on stage six and clocked win number 30 on stage 14. Charly Wegelius (2007, 2009, 2010) Finnish-born Brit Wegelius was a Giro d’Italia regular, but only rode three times at the Tour de France – earning his best Grand Tour finish of 45th in the 2007 edition.

Geraint Thomas (2007, 2010, 2011, 2013-2016) Geraint Thomas briefly wore the white jersey for best young rider in 2010 and 2011, before returning from 2008 Olympic gold medal success on the track to become an integral part of Team Sky’s squad, helping Chris Froome to two overall titles, while securing his best overall finish to date (15th) at the 2015 race. Chris Froome (2008*, 2012-2016) Though a Kenyan national when he rode his first Tour in 2008, Froome had taken British citizenship by the time he supported Bradley Wiggins in 2012. Second overall that year, Froome also won his first stage and briefly wore the polka dot jersey. Chris Froome celebrates his second Tour de France title with fellow Brit Geraint Thomas in 2015 (pic: Sirotti) In 2013 he was in sublime form, winning three stages – including atop Mont Ventoux – as he sealed his first overall win.

Froome then bounced back from crashing out of the 2014 race by becoming the first Brit to win the race twice with overall victory (and a stage win) in 2015. By also securing the polka dot jersey in the same race, Froome became the first rider since Eddy Merckx to achieve the GC-mountains double at a Tour. Related Articles Three Brits in young AnPost-Chain Reaction Cycles line-up for 2017 2010s The formation of Team Sky in 2010 has ensured Brits are now commonplace at the Tour. Mark Cavendish became the first Brit to win the points classification in 2011, a year in which he was also crowned world champion, and Bradley Wiggins was crowned the first ever British Tour de France winner a year later. Chris Froome’s two overall victories in 2013 and 2015, and his King of the Mountains title in the latter, means Britons continue to rule the Tour’s roads.

Steve Cummings (2010, 2012, 2015, 2016) A domestique for Team Sky in 2010 and BMC Racing in 2012, Cummings moved to MTN-Qhubeka for the 2015 season and claimed a famous solo stage win for the African team on Mandela Day. Steve Cummings earned his maiden Tour de France stage win to make it a very special Mandela Day for his African team, MTN-Qhubeka (pic: Sirotti) Jeremy Hunt (2010) Jeremy Hunt was aged 36 when he appeared in his first and only Tour de France for the Cervelo Test Team in 2010, having turned down the chance to ride as British champion with Banesto in 1997. Daniel Lloyd (2010) Also a member of the Cervelo Test Team in 2010, Daniel Lloyd finished his only Tour de France in 162nd place. Ben Swift (2011) Though with Team Sky from its inception, Ben Swift has ridden just one Tour de France to date.

Ian Stannard (2013, 2015, 2016) Essex rider Ian Stannard has enjoyed individual success in the Classics, but was also a key part of Chris Froome’s two GC wins in 2013 and 2015. Pete Kennaugh (2013, 2015) Olympic gold medallist on the track, Manxman Pete Kennaugh was a surprise inclusion in 2013 but excelled as a domestique in the mountains, and rode as British champion in 2015. Simon Yates (2014, 2015) Turned pro with Orica-GreenEDGE in 2014 and was handed a shock Tour de France debut that same year before completing the race for the first time 12 months later. Luke Rowe (2015, 2016) Welsh rider Luke Rowe earned his Tour de France debut in 2015, with the primary aim of protecting Chris Froome on the flat and cobbled stages. He impressed enough to earn selection again in 2016.

Luke Rowe and Ian Stannard were two of the workhorses behind Chris Froome’s 2015 Tour victory (pic: Sirotti) Alex Dowsett (2015) After a couple of near-misses, Alex Dowsett was handed his Tour debut in 2015 and battled on after a crash on the cobbled stage four before finally abandoning in the mountains. Adam Yates (2015, 2016) Tasked with hunting stage wins in the mountains, the twin brother of team-mate Simon earned three top-ten finishes on his Tour debut in 2015. Dan McLay (2016) Sprinter Dan McLay made his debut at the 2016 Tour de France after picking up his first two pro wins earlier in the season.

Bradley Wiggins | Riders | Cyclingnews.com Bradley Wiggins 1st Tour de France 2012 1st Critérium du Dauphiné 2011-12 1st Tour de Romandie 2012 1st Tour of Britain 2013 1st Tour of California 2014 1st Paris-Nice 2012 1st Herald Sun Tour 2009 3rd Vuelta a España 2011 3rd Paris-Nice 2011 4th Tour de France 2009 1st National Road Race Championships 2011 1st National Time Trial Championships 2009, 2010, 2014 Gold medal individual time trial Olympic Games 2012 1st UCI World Championships time trial 2014 2nd UCI World Championships time trial 2011, 2013 Bronze medal team pursuit Olympic Games 2000 Gold medal individual pursuit Olympic Games 2004 Silver medal team pursuit Olympic Games 2004 Bronze medal madison Olympic Games

 2004 Gold medal individual pursuit Olympic Games 2008 Gold medal team pursuit Olympic Games 2008, 2016 2014 2014 saw another major addition to Wiggins’ remarkable palmares as he won the time trial at the World Championships in Ponferrada .

It came three months after he won the British national time trial champion’s jersey in Wales. Winning the Tour of California in style reignited debate over his possible inclusion in Sky’s Tour de France line-up but in the end it wasn’t to be. The end of the year saw the creation of his own team, WIGGINS , which he will join in April 2015 to help with his transition to the track ahead of the Rio Olympics in 2016. 1st ITT, Road World Championships 1st General Classification, 1st Stage 2, Tour of Caliornia 1st ITT, British National Championships 9th Paris-Roubaix 3rd General Classification, 1st Stage 8a, Tour of Britain 2013 It was always going to be tough to come close to matching the dizzy heights of 2012, but nevertheless 2013 was a very disappointing year for Wiggins. Much of the year was overshadowed by rumours of an acrimonious relationship with Chris Froome, who wanted leadership of Team Sky in a more mountainous Tour de France.

In the end a knee injury, on the face of it, prevented Wiggins from competing at the race where he was defending champion. He did, however, ride the Giro d’Italia, where he was billed as a favourite thanks to his Tour success. But on wet roads he lost time and his nerve, before a chest infection forced him to retire from the race after stage 11 . He revived his season late on, winning the Tour of Britain before claiming time trial silver in the World Championships. 1st General Classification, 1st Stage 3, Tour of Britain 2nd ITT, Road World Championships 1st Stage 7, Tour of Poland 2012 A remarkable year was capped with one of the most groundbreaking achievements in British sporting history when Wiggins became the first British to win the Tour de France . With the support of a ruthlessly well-drilled Team Sky, he won Paris-Nice, the Tour of Romandie, and the Criterium du Dauphine to announce himself as the Tour favourite. He took the yellow jersey on stage seven to La Planche des Belles Filles and held it to Paris, driving home his advantage on both individual time trials.

As if that wasn’t enough, he won a fourth Olympic gold medal in the London 2012 road time trial. His stellar year was recognized in the form of a knighthood and the crown of BBC Sports Personality of the Year. 1st General Classification, 1st Stages 9 & 19, Tour de France 1st ITT, Olympic Games 1st General Classification, 1st Points, 1st Stage 8, Paris-Nice 1st General Classification, 1st Stage 4, Critérium du Dauphiné 1st General Classification, 1st Stages 1 & 5, Tour de Romandie 3rd General Classification, 1st Stage 5, Volta ao Algarve 2011 Wiggins started the year by finishing 3rd overall in Paris-Nice, opting not to ride the Giro d'Italia but to concentrate fully on his Tour de France preparation. All went to plan as he was able to defend his time trial lead against Cadel Evans on the final three mountain stages to win the Dauphiné, his biggest victory in road racing so far.

He went on to the start of the Tour de France as British road race champion, but his dream of winning the overall event collapsed when he crashed out on stage 7 with a broken collarbone. Wiggins was able to make amends for the lost opportunity by finishing third overall in the Vuelta a España in September, and taking the Silver medal at the World time trial Championship behind Tony Martin, but the feeling of not having achieved his true goal persisted. 1st British National Road Race Championships 1st Critérium du Dauphiné 2nd UCI Road World Championship Time Trial 3rd Paris-Nice 3rd Vuelta a España 2010 A difficult year for Wiggins, being a team leader with the newly-founded Team Sky for the first time in his career, and carrying huge expectations after his fourth place finish at the Tour de France 2010. He participated in the Giro d'Italia, winning the opening time trial but his overall race was not successful. His Tour de France was also disappointing, and proof that race circumstances can take the better of any meticulous plan, even that of the highly ambitious Team Sky.

1st British National Time Trial Championships 1st Stage 1 TTT Tour of Qatar 1st Stage 1 ITT Giro d'Italia 2009 Wiggins' breakthrough year on the road. With his American Garmin-Slipstream outfit, and having considerably improved his climbing skills, he surprised everyone at the Tour de France and finished fourth overall - the dream of the next British Tour de France winner was born. Wiggins had been contracted to ride for Garmin through 2010, but following much speculation it was announced in December that he was to leave to join Team Sky, having signed a four-year contract with the new British based team. 1st British National Time Trial Championships 1st Herald Sun Tour 1st Stage 1 TTT Tour of Qatar 4th Overall 2009 Tour de France 2008 In 2008 he signed with Team High Road, a team later known as HTC-Highroad. At the 2008 UCI Track Cycling World Championships in Manchester, he won three gold medals: pursuit, team pursuit and madison.

At the 2008 Beijing Olympics he again won the pursuit, the first rider to successfully defend a pursuit title at the Olympics. Wiggins was also a member of the Olympic pursuit team which won the gold with a new world record. Olympic Gold medal individual pursuit Olympic Gold medal team pursuit 1st UCI World Championships individual pursuit 1st UCI World Championships team pursuit 1st UCI World Championships madison 2007 With his French team Cofidis, he raced the Dauphiné Libéré and won the prologue, before competing in the 2007 Tour de France and finishing fourth in the prologue in London. he also continued his track career, winning gold medals in the individual and team pursuit events of the World Championships. 1st Prologue Critérium du Dauphiné Libéré 1st UCI World Championships individual pursuit 1st UCI World Championships team pursuit 2006 Wiggins first year with Cofidis. He had no victories that year, effectively making the transition from track to road and riding his very first Tour de France. 2005 The second of his two years at Crédit Agricole.

Wiggins wins the time trial at the Circuit de Lorraine as well as stage eight of the Tour de l'Avenir. 1st Stage 2 ITT, Circuit de Lorraine 1st Stage 8 Tour de l'Avenir 2004 At the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, Wiggins became the first British athlete in 40 years to win three medals at one Games. He won gold in the pursuit, silver in the team pursuit, and bronze in the madison with his race partner Rob Hayles. Olympic Gold medal individual pursuit Olympic Silver medal team pursuit Olympic Bronze medal madison Wiggins began his career in 2001 at 20 years of age, signing with British professional road Linda McCartney Racing Team before it disbanded in early 2001. He joined Française des Jeux in 2002, before moving to Crédit Agricole in 2004. Words by Patrick Fletcher Bradley Wiggins second after opening stage of Paris-Nice race - BBC Sport Bradley Wiggins second after opening stage of Paris-Nice race 4 Mar 2012 Read more about sharing.

Britain's Bradley Wiggins defied the wet conditions to finish second in the 9.4km opening time-trial stage of the Paris-Nice race on Sunday. Wiggins completed the course in 11 minutes, 20 seconds, one second behind Sweden's Gustav Larsson who posted his time before the rain started to fall. The Team Sky rider said: "I didn't take any risks in the corners but I knew in a straight line I was flying. "Now it's about staying safe. This race is known for having a lot of crashes." WIGGINS' ROAD HIGHLIGHTS Bradley Wiggins 2012: Volta ao Algarve, 3rd overall. 2011: Criterium du Dauphine, 1st overall; Vuelta a Espana - 3rd overall; Paris-Nice, 3rd overall; British National Road Race Championship; World Time Trial Championships, 2nd. 2010: Tour of Murcia, 3rd overall; British National Time Trial Championships, 1st.

2009: Herald Sun Tour, 1st overall ; Tour de France, 4th overall; British National Time Trial Championships, 1st. Despite being named "the Race to the Sun", the Paris-Nice event is renowned for its often unfavourable weather conditions and numerous hills. "I wasn't willing to find out whether it was slippery so I never really pushed it as hard as I could have done in the corners," added Wiggins. "I'd already slipped on the ramp coming off the start, so straight away I had one mind on safety in the corners. Fortunately there weren't so many corners so it wasn't as decisive." To put Wiggins' performance into context, defending champion Tony Martin, who was the last man to tackle the course, two riders after the Brit, finished 25 seconds off the pace. Wiggins' fellow Brit and Team Sky rider Geraint Thomas finished 26 seconds adrift of leader Larsson over the course from Dampierre-en-Yvelines to Saint-Remy-les-Chevreuse, just outside Paris. American rider Levi Leipheimer is third, four seconds off the pace.

Monday's second stage is a largely flat 185.5km race from Mantes-la-Jolie to Orleans The eight-stage race culminates on 11 March with a 9.6km time trial that finishes on top of the Col d'Eze, which returns to the route after an absence of more than a decade. Share this page Bradley Wiggins: So who is the man in the yellow jersey? - ITV News 18 July 2012 at 5:23pm Bradley Wiggins: So who is the man in the yellow jersey? Bradley Wiggins of Britain waves to spectators during the 99th Tour de France Photo: REUTERS/Stephane Mahe As Bradley Wiggin s is set become the first British cyclist to be overall winner of the Tour de France, we take a closer look at the 32-year-old rider at the front wearing the yellow jersey. Bradley was born in Ghent, Belgium but grew up in London. He started racing at the age of 12 at the Herne Hill Velodrome. Track was his main focus in his younger years.

In 1997, he won his World Championship medal in 1997 as a junior when he won the Individual Pursuit title in Cuba. Bradley was inspired to take up the sport by his late father, Gary Wiggins, a former leading Australian track cyclist. The pair were estranged for 17 years after his parents split. They got back in contact in 1997. In 2004, Wiggins became the first British athlete in 40 years to win three medals at one games After winning three Olympic Golds and seven World Champion titles Bradley switched his focus to road cycling. Bradley Wiggins kisses his gold medal for the Men's Individual Pursuit at the Olympic Games in Athens in 2004 Credit: Tony Marshall/EMPICS Sport In 2009, he equalled the best-ever performance by a British rider in the Tour de France (TdF) when he finished 4th overall. He was awarded an CBE by the Prince of Wales in 2009.

Bradley Wiggins outside Buckingham Palace after being awarded an CBE by the Prince of Wales in June 2009 Credit: Anthony Devlin/PA Archive/Press Association Images Also that year, Wiggins published his autobiography, 'In Pursuit of Glory'. It was published just months before his father's death and he described their troubled relationship: His achievements as a cyclist and almost 'legendary' hard-man status on the circuit undoubtedly helped propel me towards a competitive career in the sport. "Our shared DNA is at the heart of the story." – Bradley Wiggins Olympic Cycling Gold medalist Bradley Wiggins during the launch of his autobiography Credit: Rebecca Naden/PA Archive/Press Association Images Wiggins was forced to withdraw from the ToF in 2011 when he crashed and broke his collarbone on stage seven. Later that year after recovering from his injury, he bounced back and won the Silver medal in the Time Trial at the World Championships. Bradley Wiggins with his Silver Medal with Gold medallist Tony Martin and Bronze medallist Fabian Cancellara Credit: John Giles/PA Archive/Press Association Images As a self-confessed Mod enthusiast, Bradley Wiggins idolises Paul Weller.

Weller has shown support for the cyclist during the Tour de France, writing on his website: I want to wish Bradley luck for the finale of theTour de France. It is great he's doing so well and it shows the years of hardwork pay off. Good luck mate. – Paul Weller Bradley Wiggins has adopted Paul Weller's 'Mod' look Credit: Reuters Wiggins has even turned his hand in fashion and has collaborated with British clothing label Fred Perry for a new line of cycle wear. Bradley Wiggins has collaborated with British fashion brand Fred Perry Credit: Fred Perry So, what next from Mr Wiggins, well he remains long-odds favourite for an historic Tour de France win , will he do it? We will just have to wait and see. You can follow Bradley Wiggin's progress at the Tour De France on the ITV Sport website. Last updated Sat 19 Jul 2014

Question: In the 2009 Tour de France which British Olympic medallist finished 4th overall?
Answer: Bradley Wiggins