Bradley Wiggins could switch his focus to the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow if he does not race the Tour de France, according to British Cycling’s technical director, Shane Sutton.

Sutton told Cycling Weekly recently that Wiggins has been training on the track and would welcome the chance to race on the boards for England at the end of July if team Sky overlooks him for the Tour. He had been under world record pace during individual pursuit efforts in Manchester that British Cycling staff managed. Wiggins raced last week at the Tour de Suisse, but pulled out early after a crash.

“We would all be buzzing if he came back to the track,” Sutton reiterated to Sky Sports News.

“He is definitely down to ride the time trial. The chances are, if he misses out [Sky’s Tour team] we will slot him straight on to the boards because he has done a little bit of work. He’s a natural, technically the most gifted track rider we have seen in years.

“We would welcome him back with open arms.”

Wiggins could race the individual and team pursuit. His next scheduled race is the national time trial championships today (Thursday, June 26).

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