Bradley Wiggins is aiming to round off 2009 on a high note by claiming his first world road racing medal.
The British Olympic gold-winner sets his sights on Switzerland
Bradley Wiggins is aiming to round off 2009 on a high note by claiming his first world road racing medal at the championships in Mendrisio, Switzerland.
The 29-year-old, who was placed an impressive fourth in this year's Tour de France, recognises that the competition will be tough but is determined to bring home the season with a victory.
"Nobody in their right mind would ever mouth off saying they are going to beat Fabian Cancellara," Wiggins told
The Telegraph.
"He is one of the 'greats' and a rider I admire. But I'm going to give it a good shot. I've kept going since the Tour with this one big final race in mind. I want to sign off 2009 with a medal."
Wiggins has been the subject of speculation following rumours that he will extract himself from his current contract with Garmin to join newly-formed Team-Sky next year, although financial implications suggest the partnership is unlikely to get off the ground.
Team-Sky's interest is no doubt a result of the rider's extraordinary year for Britain in 2008 when he claimed three world title triumphs and double gold success in Beijing, even if his thunder was somewhat stolen by Chris Hoy's three Olympic golds and Mark Cavendish's six stage wins on the Tour de France.
Determined
"It [2008] was a strange year," Wiggins said.
"I came out of it very determined and fired up as if I had something to prove. After the 2004 Olympics I thought I had cracked it and was a big shot and lost my way badly for a couple of years.
"Post Beijing has been very different. After a couple of weeks celebrating, I couldn't get back into training quick enough. I even took myself on a long seven-hour ride back home in Lancashire on the day the GB Olympic squad had their parade in London. For me the party was over."
Wiggins' track career has now taken a back seat to his road racing ambitions and he has set his sights on the big wins.
"It was now or never if I was really going to make it as a road racer." he said.
"I had enjoyed some good days on the road, worked hard in my own way, but it was down to natural talent mainly and that will only take you so far. Not only was now my best chance, it was probably my last chance.
"I am more excited about cycling now than I have been for a long time. It's like the first day I rode under 4mins 20secs for the pursuit on the track and suddenly realised I could go chasing big world medals and set great times.
"Of course it's pretty difficult to imagine anybody beating Alberto Contador at present but I remember a time when Brad McGee seemed invincible at the individual pursuit and a time when it seemed GB would never break four minutes for the team pursuit and beat the Aussies. Nothing is forever."
'Wiggomania'
Wiggins appearance in Switzerland has been preceded with a substantial build-up and 'Wiggomania' was in full force during his performance in the Tour of Britain.
However, despite directing his focus completely towards the world road racing championships, Wiggins claims he has not drawn a line under his track racing aspirations.
"A lot of things have been misunderstood about my track ambitions," he said.
"For the record I am determined, at the very least, to defend my individual pursuit title in London. But what I intend to do is devote the next two years to road racing and seeing just how far I can push things in the Tour de France.
"In the winter it helps out with my general training. Living close to Manchester velodrome I am liable to look in for a few hours on the track anytime. And what people forget is that track cycling is great fun, I enjoy it. I'm enjoying everything."
