Bradley Wiggins makes low-key return to road racing in Challenge Mallorca

Sir Bradley Wiggins made his 2016 road season debut in the opening day of the Challenge Mallorca on Thursday.

Wiggins was riding as part of the Great Britain team in the 174-kilometre Trofeo Felanitx, the first of four one-day races that make up the annual Challenge Mallorca.

The 2012 Tour de France champion and Hour Record holder spends a great deal of time on Mallorca during the winter, building up base miles before the season starts.

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This year, he's concentrating on his performance in the UCI Track World Championships in March and then the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro in August, so there is no pressure for him to obtain any results on the road. His last road appearance was at the 2015 Tour of Britain in September.

Wiggins finished in 135th place in the Trofeo Felanitx, in a large second group that completed the race 19 seconds behind winner André Greipel (Lotto-Soudal).

>>> André Greipel wins opening day of Challenge Mallorca

After his stint for Great Britain on Mallorca, Wiggins will join his Team Wiggins squad at the Dubai Tour over February 3-6.

Then it's back to the track, where Wiggins will take part in the team pursuit at the Track World Championships in London on March 2-6. In addition to the team pursuit, Wiggins is widely tipped to take part in the Madison with Mark Cavendish.

The Challenge Mallorca continues today (Friday) with the Trofeo Andratx.