Bradley Wiggins's return will inspire British track cyclists, says Hoy
Sir Chris Hoy says Bradley Wiggins can be the figurehead of the British track cycling team when he returns after his Team Sky contract ends
![](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/MntRnn3G44LKooN9xS5oXQ-415-80.jpg)
Bradley Wiggins talks to Ed Clancy, Commonwealth Games 2014, track day one, afternoon
British track cyclists returned from February’s World Championships with just three silver medals and six-time Olympic gold medallist Sir Chris Hoy believes fellow knight Bradley Wiggins is just the man to revitalise their ailing fortunes.
With just over a month left on his Team Sky contract, Wiggins’ return to the track is imminent, and Hoy says the 34-year-old could be the figurehead that the track team needs.
Wiggins didn’t compete in the Paris World Championships due to his commitments on the road with Sky, but has spoken of his desire to return to win a potential fifth Olympic gold in Rio next year.
Hoy told skysports.com: “What you tend to need is a bit of a spark – something to get the momentum going, get that morale up a little bit. Once that morale is there, it’s a snowball effect.
“I personally think that someone like Bradley coming back into the team could be significant for morale, to have that figurehead in the team, to really be leading them into battle in Rio. That will be the crucial - not deciding - factor, but it will certainly help the team.
“You can just see the guys when Bradley turns up for training. Before the Commonwealth Games, when he was in the track centre, everyone was walking a little bit straighter and taller. Everybody is inspired by him so, fingers crossed, he will have a positive effect on the team on the whole.”
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
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
Stuart Clarke is a News Associates trained journalist who has worked for the likes of the British Olympic Associate, British Rowing and the England and Wales Cricket Board, and of course Cycling Weekly. His work at Cycling Weekly has focused upon professional racing, following the World Tour races and its characters.
-
Tadej Pogačar broke 288 Strava KOMs during Tour de France victory
Slovenian won his third Tour title in Nice last weekend, and picked up a host of new trophies on Strava
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
'I'm definitely pushing over 2,500 watts' - Meet the most powerful cyclists in the GB Olympics squad
Move over track sprinters, there are stronger legs in town
By Tom Davidson Published
-
Bradley Wiggins joins Lance Armstrong for Tour de France podcast
The former Tour de France winner will be appearing on The Move for the next week
By Adam Becket Published
-
Bradley Wiggins declared bankrupt - reports
The Tour de France winner was in an Individual Voluntary Arrangement since 2020
By Adam Becket 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