British Cycling

NEWS FOR AUGUST 2003

WIGGINS TO RIDE FOR CREDIT AGRICOLE IN 2004

Bradley Wiggins (Fdjeux.com) the recent winner of the World Pursuit Track Championship in Stuggart has recently finalised his plans for next season. The 23-year old from Maida Vale in London will be joining another top French professional team, Credit Agricole in 2004 under the mangement of Roger Legeay. Legeay, who was manager of British cycling star and 1992 Olympic Gold Medallist Chris Boardman's team though-out his professional career, was impressed by the quality of the young British stars victory in the World Championships and also by his fine riding in many of the seasons major races on the road.

The fact that Boardman had been advising Bradley over the past few months cemented the connection and interest which lead to Wiggins' signing a new contract. It is hoped Bradley will be riding the Tour de France in 2004 however in Olympic year, Bradley is still very focused on winning a Gold medal in Athens as well as pursuing success in major international road events.

Bradley had this to say : "Since my World Championship victory I have had a lot to think about and have come to the conclusion that next season (2004) was a good time for a fresh start and to take on more responsibility. Credit Agricole and Mr. Legeay are giving me precisely that opportunity. The team have shown a lot of confidence in me and that finally made up my mind. Although the Olympics of course is and always has been a big personal target of mine, I hope to make an impact on some of the worlds big road events and could be riding the Tour de France where feel I could produce a good ride in the prologue and learn a great deal for the future."

"I have really enjoyed riding for Marc Madiot and Fdjeux.com, and they supported me well in my preparation for the Worlds this year and are a great bunch of lads. They have a lot of top riders in my team at present and of course so does my new team, but at Credit Agricole I have been given assurances providing I prove I can come up the goods, of a lot more freedom and opportunities."

"Next season I will be in my third year as a professional so it is a good time to have specific targets and to find out just what I can achieve in the future. I will always race my hardest and give my best, so we will see."

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Tour of Holland and French stage race this week ...

Bradley was pleased with his condition in the Tour of Holland despite the fact that hasn't raced on the road since the Tour of Italy at the end of May. Riding himself in to get some good form for the final few weeks of his road season, he rode well and felt strong. After contributing to his team-mate Brad McGee fine final stage victory he retired to keep himself fresh for the Tour du Poitou-Charentes, a French stage race he featured strongly in last year.

His road program for the rest of the season and his Six-Day race plans will be announced shortly , although he seems certain to ride the Ghent Six - Day in Belgium the race known to British fans as their "home" Six. Bradley finished a very close 2nd last year with his partner Matt Gilmore in a race many thought they were very unfortunate not to win.

Richard Allchin, Sport & Publicity,