THE CHAIN

Back in 2012 everyone knew who Bradley Wiggins was Everyone that is but me Thirteen years after the summer that defined me I have finally defined myself The disguises have gone I ve made peace with myself Think you know Bradley Wiggins Think again Bradley Wiggins is the greatest British cyclist of his generation A national hero on both track and road he won five Olympic gold medals eight world titles and the Tour de France But his is a story mired in contradiction controversy and confusion Sat on a throne after winning gold at London 2012 just ten days after becoming the first Briton to win the Tour de France here was a man with the world at his feet Sporting hero People s champion Legend Everyone knew who Wiggo was Everyone that is but him Bradley s own truth was one of a chaotic and disturbing upbringing characterised by abandonment and abuse The bike had been his escape but he knew that the second he got out of the saddle he was a shadow man with no self belief and even less self worth With zero confidence in his value as a human being attention was his worst nightmare Bradley s answer was to wear a mask He became Sir Wiggo the loveable rogue the disguise slowly suffocating the real him crushing the last few remnants of self est