UK bike sales benefit from 'Wiggins effect'

Bradley Wiggins' Tour de France win has spurred British buyers to come out in force and purchase new bikes and cycling accessories, according to credit company Visa.

Visa Europe reports that sales of bikes and accessories in the final week of the Tour rose by 6.3 per cent compared to the previous week, and rose 5.1 per cent compared to the same week last year. Although Visa does not mention it in its report, part of the uplift could also be attributed to a long-awaited change to fairer weather in the UK.

Visa are currently tracking the spending habits of its customers in Britain before, during and after the London 2012 Olympic Games. The company also reports that spending by international visitors in Britain has risen 5.1 per cent across the board, with ticket sales and theatre booking rising 53 per cent compared to 2011.

The London 2012 Olympic Games kick off with the opening ceremony on Friday, July 27. The first cycling event will be the men's road race starting and finishing on The Mall on Saturday, July 28.

Related links

Wiggins wins 2012 Tour de France as Cavendish takes final stage

London 2012: Olympic Games coverage index

Olympic road race route: Download detailed map