Wiggins signs Sky deal for Paris-Roubaix bid
CYCLIST Sir Bradley Wiggins has confirmed plans for a final attempt at winning one of the sport’s most iconic events, the Paris-Roubaix one-day classic, before he swaps road for track racing later this year.
Former Tour de France winner Wiggins has agreed a short-term contract with Team Sky that will take him into a sixth season with the British outfit and up to the Paris-Roubaix on 12 April.
Beyond that Wiggins, 34, is set to turn his attentions to the track and his quest to qualify for the Team GB squad for next year’s Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
“Everyone knows what this team means to me so I’m really pleased to extend my contract until the end of April 2015. I’ve been with Team Sky from the start.
“I’ve had some amazing experiences during that time and I hope there are a few more to come. Sky’s investment in cycling, and this team in particular, has helped change the cycling landscape in the UK and I’m proud to have played a part in that story.
“Paris-Roubaix is a special race for me and I’m determined to give it another go in Team Sky colours. It’s one of the toughest races in the calendar and my aim is to improve on my ninth-place finish last year. After that I can focus fully on preparing for the Rio Olympics in 2016.”
Wiggins is set to launch his own development team, backed by Sky and dubbed Team Wiggo, later this year and could ride with them after Paris-Roubaix.
The London-raised racer is aiming to add to his seven Olympic medals in Rio and his fourth on the track, his specialism before his successful move to road racing.