When Bradley Wiggins won the rainbow jersey in the time trial at the World Championships this week, he told the waiting press after: "It’s a funny thing. I grew up as such a fan of cycling. Miguel Indurain and Gianni Bugno were my heroes."
Despite being one of cycling's most recognisable names, Wiggins has always been proud to admit he loves the sport and it seems he is just like any other devoted fan, who dreams of getting his hands on equipment and memorabillia used by his heroes.
And one look at Wiggins's Instagram page shows he already has an impressive collection of classic bikes to boast of, that once belonged to some well-known faces in the sport.
1) Gianni Bugno's Coppi frame
The Italian cyclist-turned helicopter pilot like Wiggins started on the track, before also going on to win a Grand Tour (the 1990 Giro d'Italia), and a rainbow jersey (twice, at the 1991 and 1992 Worlds). Add to that 15 stage wins across all three Grand Tours, Milan-San Remo and the Tour of Flanders. It's no surprise Wiggins has said Bugno was one of his childhood heroes and wanted one of his bikes.
2) Nicola Minali's 1996 Paris-Roubaix frame
After finishing ninth there this year, Wiggins has already said Paris-Roubaix is one of his targets for next season. And with that in mind, former Italian-pro Nicola Minali's Bianchi frame that he rode at the 1996 edition of the Hell of the North should be perfect for him to practice on.
3) Francesco Moser TT bike
No picture of the bike itself, but Wiggins's got hold of some vintage Campagnolo wheels to add to his' Francesco Moser TT bike'.
4) Miguel Indurain's Pinarello Espada
Like Bugno, Miguel Indurain also got a name-check as one of Wiggins's heroes. And just like Wiggins, Indurain was known for being one of the world's best against the clock. Last year, Sir Brad paid a visit to see the Spaniard's ground-breaking Pinarello Espada that he won the Hour Record on — getting some inspiration for his own attempt next year perhaps?
5) Tom Simpson's rainbow jersey
A good omen maybe for his assault on gold at the World Championships, just a few weeks before winning his time trial world title, Wiggins got one of Tom Simpson's 1965 rainbow jersey's framed for his home.
