Sir Bradley Wiggins to take on GB Rowing at British Indoor Championships
Friday 17 November 2017 11:35, UK
Sir Bradley Wiggins will launch his new rowing career at the British Indoor Championships in December.
Wiggins, who made his name as a hugely successful cyclist, will take on the GB Rowing Team at the Olympic Velodrome in December.
The 37-year-old retired from cycling in 2016 following a career in which he won eight Olympic medals - five of which were gold - as well as the 2012 Tour de France.
Since retiring, Wiggins has turned his attention to rowing, but is untested in competition.
The British Indoor Championships are open to competitors of all ages and abilities, but will also be attended by the very best rowers the country has to offer.
Matt Rossiter, who was a bronze medallist at the 2017 World Rowing Championships and will be competing in the 2,000m race with Wiggins, said: "It's really exciting that Wiggo is going to be racing.
"On a personal level, I'm a massive cycling fan and he's probably a large reason for that.
"He has to have one of the biggest engines ever in world sport and for him to try and tune it to rowing is awesome.
"To be lining up against one of your ultimate sporting heroes is an absolute privilege."
The news comes just days after UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) ended its investigation into allegations of wrongdoing at British Cycling and Team Sky, of which Wiggins was a central member.
UKAD said it could not determine what was in a mystery package delivered to Wiggins during a race in 2011, and that they would bring no charges.
Wiggins has since criticised the investigation, saying it made his life a "living hell".