Pre-Tour of Britain form better than 2013, says Bradley Wiggins
The Sky rider is aiming to become the first person to defend the title in the modern incarnation of the race.

Bradley Wiggins believes his form going into this year's Tour of Britain beats that of 12 months ago, when he dominated the event and took the overall win.
Wiggins spearheads a strong Sky squad in the national tour, and is looking to become the first ever rider to successfully defend their title in the modern incarnation of the race.
“I haven't raced a lot, but I've been training intensively since the Commonwealth Games,” said Wiggins.
“I knew there that I would be doing the Tour of Britain, so all the preparation has been for this, and the 10-day gap to the world championships time trial. Whether I win or not is another thing, but I feel in a better place.
“I'm definitely looking to win, especially with that big time trial in London. If I can just stay close to some of the big GC guys and not lose too much time in bonuses, the ideal situation is to be a couple of seconds back and hopefully take it there.
“It's a short time trial, but it's a fast one too. I know that circuit well.”
Whereas before last year's race, the 34-year-old Sky rider recced some of the stages in advance, this year he is hoping that his experience will help him wear the yellow jersey in London on Sunday week.
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
“I've done it a few times,” he said of The Tumble climb near Abergavenny, upon which the likely crucial stage three finishes. “I did it years ago in the PruTour, in the Nationals and a couple of times in training.
“ I also know Ditchling Beacon and a lot of those climbs [on stage seven into Brighton] from my childhood, so I'm not too worried about those.”
And while Wiggins is known for going back on things he has said previously, his charge at this race could be his last serious GC attempt, as his focus for 2015 turns to the Rio Olympics.
“When I was at the Tour of California this year I said I'd never do it [go for an overall race win] again,” he said. “It's quite hard work leading a bike race.
“The plan this winter is to put weight on, change into the track, and the GC will be out of the window.”
Bradley Wiggins confirms Tour of Britain title defence
2013 winner looking to become first rider to retain modern title.
Thank you for reading 20 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
Nick Bull is an NCTJ qualified journalist who has written for a range of titles, as well as being a freelance writer at Beat Media Group, which provides reports for the PA Media wire which is circulated to the likes of the BBC and Eurosport. His work at Cycling Weekly predominantly dealt with professional cycling, and he now holds a role as PR & Digital Manager at SweetSpot Group, which organises the Tour of Britain.
-
'It's going to keep coming down' - Anna Morris breaks world record for a third time in the individual pursuit
World and European champion adds national title to her honours
By Tom Davidson Published
-
Will consuming more fish oil make you a better cyclist?
Cod liver oil is an age-old supplement, but its key ingredient is still very relevant, discovers Rob Kemp
By Rob Kemp Published
-
'There's no bull****, that's what I've always liked' - Geraint Thomas's first BC coach Rod Ellingworth on the retiring Welshman
The 2018 Tour de France winner will step away from professional cycling at the end of the season
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
'It is time to change goals' - Egan Bernal's coach confirms Ineos Grenadiers exit
'I want to thank all the cyclists I have had the opportunity to coach over the past ten years' Xabier Artetxe says in LinkedIn post
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Geraint Thomas represented 'all the best things about the golden era of British Cycling' - tributes paid to retiring rider
Former and current teammates and other figures from within pro cycling react to the Welshman’s decision to retire at the end of the current season
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Ineos Grenadiers win first pro race in 226 days as Michał Kwiatkowski triumphs at Clásica Jaén
It was the Pole's 32nd professional victory, and his first since 2023
By Adam Becket Published
-
'You can’t keep doing it forever' - Geraint Thomas confirms retirement at end of 2025
'It would be nice to go to the Tour one more time' Welshman says
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
No Paris-Roubaix or Tour of Flanders for Tom Pidcock as he confirms spring calendar
AlUla Tour winner set to ride Strade Bianche and Milan-San Remo for Q36.5
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Egan Bernal wins first race since 2022 horror crash, Ineos Grenadiers win first race in 215 days
Bernal’s victory was also Ineos Grenadier’s first win in months
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Ineos Grenadiers looking for second sponsor in order to return to 'super team' status
British WorldTour team to continue into 2026
By Adam Becket Published