Bradley Wiggins selected for Commonwealth Games track squad

Bradley Wiggins will ride on the track as well as road for Team England in the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow
Nigel Wynn

After his non-selection for the Tour de France was confirmed by Team Sky on Friday morning, British Cycling announced that Bradley Wiggins will compete on the track for Team England during the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow (July 23-August 3).

Although the disciplines that Wiggins will ride in the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome have not been confirmed, it is thought that he will attempt to break the individual pursuit world record at the event.

As Cycling Weekly magazine reported earlier this month, Wiggins made his return to Manchester Velodrome and unofficially rode inside the pace of Jack Bobridge’s current world record mark of four minutes and 10.534 seconds.

“I’m very happy to be able to welcome Sir Bradley back to the track team for the Commonwealth Games – his addition will be a real morale boost to the rest of the track squad. The decision of who will ride what event will be made nearer the time,” said British Cycling technical director Shane Sutton.

According to Sutton, Wiggins is also aiming for the time trial world title in September: “Going forward Brad is firmly fixed on the road time trial. That’s the big driver for Brad,” said Sutton.

“He is in good shape and I believe this is the one that has eluded him. He won the Olympics but I know he still wants that rainbow and I think it’s a bit like Roubaix. They’ve always been his drivers.”

Wiggins has previously said that he would like to join Great Britain’s track cycling squad for the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio. On Thursday night, Wiggins reclaimed the British time trial title.

No announcements have been made on whether Wiggins will attempt the Hour world record.

N.B. This article was edited on June 30. It originally stated that Wiggins unofficially clocked an individual pursuit time inside Bobridge’s world record.