Sir Bradley Wiggins unveils Tom Simpson memorial in County Durham
New monument to British cyclist Tom Simpson is unveiled in Haswell during the 50th anniversary year of the rider's death on Mont Ventoux
A memorial stone to British cyclist Tom Simpson was unveiled in his home town in County Durham on Saturday by Sir Bradley Wiggins.
Wiggins was on hand at the Hazelwell Centre, Haswell, in front of a large crowd of on-lookers to officially reveal the new monument.
Simpson was born in Haswell on September 30 1937, and went on to become one of Britain's most successful cyclists. He tragically died during the Tour de France on July 13 1967 as he climbed Mont Ventoux, aged 29.
>>> Comment: Why we should all take a moment to remember Tom Simpson
Wiggins paid tribute to Simpson, whom he cited as one of his life-long cycling heroes and an inspiration.
"He was my hero," Wiggins told ITV News.
"He transcended the sport, his personality back then differed from so many. In today's day and age he would have been a superstar, and I think he has that star quality."
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
The new monument to Simpson joins those at the Kuipke velodrome in Ghent, Belgium, and on Mont Ventoux, France.
"The way cycling is now, it's so much about results and the here and now," said Wiggins.
"A lot of people don't know that much about the history of the sport any more, and the reason why cycling is so popular today is because of people like Tom. Without that cycling wouldn't have the popularity it does today."
The memorial stone was unveiled on the 50th anniversary year of Simpson's death.
Wiggins gave a trademark light-hearted comment during the unveiling ceremony as he followed on from a speech given by local historian Alan Liversidge. "I won't bore you like Alan," said Wiggins. "I didn't bring a four-page speech!"
He went on to thank the large crowd for turning out and went on to chat with local cyclists and spectators.
Cycling author, journalist and Simpson's nephew Chris Sidwells said: "It's great to finally have something to remember Tom by in the village where he was born. My cousin Judith Walton, who lives in the area, got the job done, and when I asked Sir Bradley Wiggins to unveil the memorial for us he didn't hesitate.
"It was a great day, with at least 500 people of all ages in attendance, and I think Bradley autographed something and had his photo took with every one of them. Tom's daughter Joanne Simpson traveled from Belgium to be there, and she was delighted that so many turned out to make it a day to remember."
Simpson was the first British rider to win the World Championships road race (1965) and won the one-day monuments Milan-San Remo and the Tour of Flanders among his many achievements.
A post-mortem after his death revealed that he had died of a combination of heat, and amphetamines and alcohol.
Wiggins is also in British cycling's hall of fame, having been the first rider from the nation to win the Tour de France (2012), and claim eight Olympic cycling medals. Wiggins retired from professional cycling in 2016.
Thank you for reading 20 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
Nigel Wynn worked as associate editor on CyclingWeekly.com, he worked almost single-handedly on the Cycling Weekly website in its early days. His passion for cycling, his writing and his creativity, as well as his hard work and dedication, were the original driving force behind the website’s success. Without him, CyclingWeekly.com would certainly not exist on the size and scale that it enjoys today. Nigel sadly passed away, following a brave battle with a cancer-related illness, in 2018. He was a highly valued colleague, and more importantly, an exceptional person to work with - his presence is sorely missed.
-
Among market turmoil, Colnago boasts €55 million in sales: CEO shares the brand’s secret
Colnago’s growth has tripled since the brand’s acquisition by new majority stakeholders in 2020 and seems impervious to the downturn. Here's why.
By Anne-Marije Rook Published
-
Why e-bike torque numbers matter more than you think
You should choose an e-bike based on torque, not just power
By Paul Norman Published
-
Bradley Wiggins says he suffered ‘borderline rape’ during three years of 'abuse' by coach
Speaking on Fearne Cotton’s Happy Place podcast, Wiggins says he now “hates cycling” and only ever used the sport as a distraction
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Bradley Wiggins might not be a TV pundit for much longer: 'I just want a normal job really'
Tour de France champion says that he doesn't still want to be on Eurosport in 10 years, and he thought about being a social worker
By Adam Becket Published
-
CW Live: Chris Froome targets return to 'top level'; UCI tightens ITT rules; Strava responds to price hike criticism; Topless protesters arrested at TDU; Tributes paid to Lieuwe Westra; Scott recalls 'cracking' bikes; Toon Aerts the PE teacher
The latest news in the world of cycling
By Tom Davidson Last updated
-
Bradley Wiggins: Abuse contributed to making me a great cyclist
The Tour de France winner is part of a new NSPCC campaign to help people spot the signs of child abuse
By Adam Becket Published
-
Is Bradley Wiggins Rubbish on ITV's The Masked Singer? We investigate
The wheely bin character was tipped to be the Olympian by one of the judges on the Saturday night TV show
By Adam Becket Published
-
Bradley Wiggins backs NSPCC campaign for safer sports environments for children
Former Tour de France champion has spoken about abuse he received from a coach before
By Adam Becket Published
-
British Cycling offers Bradley Wiggins 'full support' after allegations of sexual grooming
The governing body has contacted Wiggins after he alleged he was sexually groomed as a 13-year-old
By Ryan Dabbs Published
-
Bradley Wiggins alleges that he was sexually groomed by a coach as a 13-year-old
Former Tour de France winner says that it "impacted" him as an adult after he "buried" it
By Adam Becket Last updated