Cyclist Ben Wiggins, the son of celebrated Olympic champion and Tour de France winner Sir Bradley Wiggins, is charting his own path in the competitive world of cycling. At just 20 years old, he is currently making waves at the Under-23 Giro D’Italia, also known as Giro Next Gen. While he embraces the legacy of his father, he is also acutely aware of the weight of expectations that come with the illustrious Wiggins surname.
In a candid discussion with BBC Radio Lancashire, Ben opened up about the duality of being related to a legend. “I definitely see it partly as an advantage,” he notes, but he quickly adds that it also brings with it considerable pressure. Acknowledging the benefits that come with his famous last name, he emphasizes, “There’s a lot of things that come with it that aren’t as easy.”
One of the particular challenges he faces is the constant comparisons to his father’s monumental achievements. Often, during team presentations, Ben finds himself being introduced as “Bradley Wiggins’ son” before his own identity is recognized. “I’m also compared to the standards of a five-time Olympic champion and Tour de France winner,” he continued. While he expresses pride in his father’s accomplishments, he points out, “I’m 20 years old. Maybe when I’m 35 that’s fair enough, but I’m just getting started.”
Wiggins’ cycling journey began in earnest in 2022 when he joined the Fensham Howes-MAS Design team as a junior rider. His accomplishments quickly began to flourish, culminating in a silver medal at the 2023 World Championships in the men’s junior individual time trial. Following that success, Ben signed with the United States-based Hagens Berman Jayco, managed by Axel Merckx, the son of another cycling legend, Eddy Merckx. This connection played a pivotal role in Ben’s decision to join the team. “Having that figure in the team which felt the same experience as me — but on a bigger scale — was the biggest attraction,” he explained.
Wiggins’ early interests were in football and rugby, where he found himself participating in team sports until the COVID-19 pandemic pushed him towards cycling. “It’s not fancy, it’s not cool,” he mentioned, reflecting on the stigma that cycling can sometimes carry among young athletes. But once he found his passion for cycling at 15, he became determined to forge his own identity in the sport.
With his eyes set on the future, Ben Wiggins is now gearing up for the ultimate challenge: the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. “My ambition is to be an Olympic Champion in LA,” he stated, outlining a clear and ambitious goal for his career. He recognizes the significant work ahead of him to achieve this ambition but remains firm in his belief that it is feasible. “There are plenty more things on the table for me to achieve, but it’s a dream of mine so that’s definitely the mid to long-term goal—on the track or on the road,” he added.
Ben’s dedication extends beyond personal glory; he aspires to contribute meaningfully to his team, recognizing that versatility can be a major asset in professional cycling. “If you can do both, you’re a big asset for the team,” he said, underscoring his commitment to evolving as an all-around cyclist.
As he competes in events like the Under-23 Giro D’Italia, Wiggins not only showcases his burgeoning talent but also carries the legacy of his father as a motivational force. He understands the importance of crafting a legacy separate from the one built by Sir Bradley. “It’s definitely something I take into consideration—how to balance the expectations while also pushing to define myself,” he reflected.
The pressure to live up to such an iconic name is undoubtedly daunting, but Ben is approaching it with a blend of pride, resilience, and ambition. His journey is still in its early stages, yet his passion for cycling and deep-rooted desire for Olympic success paints a promising picture. Ben Wiggins represents not only the future of his family name in the cycling world but also a new generation of athletes prepared to push boundaries and shatter stereotypes.
As he continues his endeavors on the road and in the pursuit of Olympic gold, Ben’s story serves as a reminder that while lineage can open doors, it is ultimately one’s determination and hard work that shapes their destiny. The cycling community will undoubtedly be watching closely as this young rider navigates both the challenges and opportunities that come with his heritage. With ambitions set firmly on the horizon, Ben Wiggins is ready to step out of his father’s shadow and embark on a journey that may just lead him to his own Olympic glory. As he puts it, “I’m just getting started.”
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