Bradley Wiggins on Cycling and Drug Addiction
- LONDON (AP) — Bradley Wiggins, the celebrated British cyclist adn former Tour de France champion, has publicly disclosed his battle with severe cocaine addiction following his retirement from...
- Wiggins, in an interview with The Observer, described the depths of his addiction, stating, "I took tons of cocaine.
- The five-time Olympic gold medalist admitted to being a "functioning addict" for years after his cycling career ended. "People didn't notice it.
Former Tour de France Winner Bradley Wiggins Reveals Struggle with Cocaine Addiction
Table of Contents
- Former Tour de France Winner Bradley Wiggins Reveals Struggle with Cocaine Addiction
- Bradley wiggins’ Struggle with Cocaine Addiction: A Q&A
- Who is Bradley Wiggins?
- what is the news about Bradley Wiggins?
- When did Bradley Wiggins retire from cycling?
- What did Bradley Wiggins say about his cocaine addiction?
- What is meant by “functioning addict”?
- What role did cycling play in Bradley Wiggins’ life?
- What other struggles has bradley Wiggins faced?
- How did Bradley Wiggins become a national hero?
- What are Bradley Wiggins’ greatest cycling achievements?
- Where can I learn more about his struggles?
LONDON (AP) — Bradley Wiggins, the celebrated British cyclist adn former Tour de France champion, has publicly disclosed his battle with severe cocaine addiction following his retirement from professional cycling.
Wiggins, in an interview with The Observer, described the depths of his addiction, stating, “I took tons of cocaine. I had a really bad problem. My children wanted to send me to a withdrawal clinic. I was like on a wire rope.”
The five-time Olympic gold medalist admitted to being a “functioning addict” for years after his cycling career ended. “People didn’t notice it. I was almost always high for years,” he said, noting that he has been free from addiction for the past year.
A National Hero in Great Britain
Wiggins became a national icon in 2012 when he became the first Briton to win the Tour de france. That same year, he also secured an Olympic gold medal in London in the individual time trial. Between 2004 and 2016, he added four more Olympic gold medals to his collection in track cycling.

following his retirement in 2016, wiggins faced a rapid decline, marked by debt and addiction. His forthcoming autobiography, “The Chain,” reportedly delves into his childhood traumas, his cycling career, and his subsequent struggles.
“I realized that I had a huge problem. I had to stop.I’m glad I was still here.I was the victim of my own decisions for years,” Wiggins, 45, confessed.
In 2022, Wiggins also revealed he had been sexually abused by a trainer during his youth and had battled depression throughout his career. “Cycling gave me everything – I wouldn’t be anything without him. But at the same time he took everything to me. I have now learned that I was always driven by fear – in retrospect, I could never enjoy the moment in my career,” he stated in a podcast interview.
Bradley wiggins’ Struggle with Cocaine Addiction: A Q&A
Who is Bradley Wiggins?
Bradley Wiggins is a celebrated British cyclist and former Tour de France champion. He is also a five-time Olympic gold medalist.
what is the news about Bradley Wiggins?
The news is that Bradley Wiggins has publicly disclosed his battle with severe cocaine addiction following his retirement from professional cycling.
When did Bradley Wiggins retire from cycling?
Bradley Wiggins retired from professional cycling in 2016.
What did Bradley Wiggins say about his cocaine addiction?
In an interview, Wiggins revealed the depths of his addiction. He stated, “I took tons of cocaine. I had a really bad problem. My children wanted to send me to a withdrawal clinic. I was like on a wire rope.” He admitted to being a “functioning addict” for years after his cycling career ended. He also mentioned that he has been free from addiction for the past year.
What is meant by “functioning addict”?
A “functioning addict” can maintain a relatively normal life while battling addiction. They may hold down a job, maintain relationships, and appear to function adequately to others, but they are still struggling with addiction.
What role did cycling play in Bradley Wiggins’ life?
Cycling gave Bradley Wiggins everything, but at the same time took everything from him. He stated, “Cycling gave me everything – I wouldn’t be anything without him. but simultaneously occurring he took everything to me.” He also revealed he was always driven by fear and could never enjoy the moment during his career.
What other struggles has bradley Wiggins faced?
In 2022, Wiggins revealed he had been sexually abused by a trainer during his youth and has battled depression throughout his career. Following his retirement,Wiggins faced a rapid decline,marked by debt and addiction.
How did Bradley Wiggins become a national hero?
Wiggins became a national icon in 2012 when he became the first Briton to win the Tour de France. That same year, he also secured an Olympic gold medal in London in the individual time trial.
What are Bradley Wiggins’ greatest cycling achievements?
| Achievement | Year | Details |
|—————————————–|————-|———————————————————————————————————-|
| Tour de France Winner | 2012 | First British cyclist to win the prestigious race. |
| Olympic Gold Medal (Individual Time trial) | 2012 | Won gold at the London Olympics. |
| Olympic Gold Medals (Track Cycling) | 2004-2016 | Added four more Olympic gold medals to his collection. |
Where can I learn more about his struggles?
His forthcoming autobiography, “The Chain,” reportedly delves into his childhood traumas, cycling career, and subsequent struggles.
