In a surprising turn of events, British cycling legend Sir Bradley Wiggins is seeking help for personal demons, including drug addiction and financial woes. But here’s where it gets controversial: his savior is none other than Lance Armstrong, the disgraced American cyclist who was stripped of his titles for doping.
Sir Bradley, 45, has announced his admission to a prestigious US rehab clinic for trauma counselling. This revelation comes after a tumultuous period in his life, marked by substance abuse and bankruptcy. The Olympic hero, who made history as the first British cyclist to win the Tour de France and claimed eight Olympic gold medals, retired from the sport in 2016.
During a talk at the Barbican in York, Sir Bradley shared his gratitude towards Armstrong, stating, “I still speak to him and see him. I’m off to America… He’s paid for me to go and see a top trauma counselling clinic in Utah.” The two cyclists have a long history, having competed together in several events, including the 2009 Tour de France.
Armstrong, once a cycling icon, admitted to using performance-enhancing drugs during each of his seven Tour de France wins in 2013. This confession led to the revocation of all his competitive results and prizes since 1998, including his Tour de France titles and Olympic medal. Despite this, Sir Bradley expressed admiration for Armstrong, calling him a “source of inspiration” and crediting him for his current situation. He even defended Armstrong, urging people to look beyond the scandals.
The relationship between these two cyclists is complex. In 2009, they were fierce rivals, with Wiggins finishing fourth in the Tour de France, later promoted to third after Armstrong’s disqualification. Wiggins initially accepted his defeat gracefully but later felt cheated out of a podium finish due to doping. When Armstrong confessed, Wiggins called him a “lying b*****d” and accused him of manipulating rivals. Yet, Armstrong has now offered Wiggins a role back in cycling, one that doesn’t require him to ride a bike.
This story raises intriguing questions. Can a disgraced athlete truly help another recover from similar struggles? Is it possible to separate an athlete’s past scandals from their potential to help others? Share your thoughts in the comments, and let’s explore the complexities of this intriguing relationship.