Bradley Wiggins plans British Time Trial title defence

Will Bradley Wiggins be the surprise turn at the British Time Trial Championships in Lincolnshire later this month?

The UCI Hour Record holder does not appear on the startlist for the event, which takes place at the Cadwell Park motor racing circuit on June 25, that was released by British Cycling two weeks ago.

However, that list comes with a “subject to change” disclaimer, and Heiko Salzwedel, the GB men’s endurance coach who assisted Wiggins in his successful Hour attempt, told Cycling Weekly that a title defence is on the cards.

“Until then [the British Championships], he’s [training] on his own,” said Salzwedel when asked about Wiggins’s imminent full-time return to the GB track squad.

“He’s going to go for the time trial there, and after that, we go to Livigno for an altitude training camp.”

CW understands that Wiggins has entered the event, which would see him come up against three-time champion and former Hour Record holder, Alex Dowsett.

Furthermore, event organiser Ian Emmerson told local press earlier in the month that he hasn’t discounted the Tour de France winner’s participation.

“He’s not on the list at the moment, but as the defending national champion I’m sure British Cycling would look kindly on him if he decides that he wants to take part,” said Emmerson.

Wiggins previously won the title in 2009 and 2010, and a fourth win would put him equal with Stuart Dangerfield’s haul.

However, he is not expected to compete in the British Road Race Championships, which follows three days after the time trial and finishes atop Lincoln’s famed Michaelgate climb.

Watch Bradley Wiggins overtake his minute man in the Hull 10 time trial