Bradley Wiggins used cycling as a distraction after years of 'abuse' by coach

Bradley Wiggins (Team Sky) celebrates victory at the 2012 Tour de France in Paris
Bradley Wiggins celebrates victory at the 2012 Tour de France in Paris (Image credit: Getty Images Sport)

Bradley Wiggins has opened up in more detail about his personal suffering during his life and racing career, explaining how he dedicated his life to cycling as a distraction after suffering what he described as “borderline rape and sexual abuse" from the age of 12 by a coach.

Wiggins has recently worked for Global Cycling Network (GCN), part of digital sports media company Play Sports Network, commenting on major races from a motorbike but he suggested he no longer has any interest in the sport, while also admitting it has given him everything. He appears to love the sport in some ways but hates the way he was pushed, and pushed himself, to success.  

Stephen Farrand
Head of News

Stephen is the most experienced member of the Cyclingnews team, having reported on professional cycling since 1994. He has been Head of News at Cyclingnews since 2022, before which he held the position of European editor since 2012 and previously worked for Reuters, Shift Active Media, and CyclingWeekly, among other publications.