Cycling World Championships: ‘We know how good my dad was…’ – Ben Wiggins wins silver in junior time trial

Ben Wiggins, son of legendary British rider Bradley Wiggins, took a superb silver in the junior men’s individual time trial at the Cycling World Championships on Friday.

The 18-year-old was just four seconds adrift when he came through the final intermediate time check, fuelling hopes of gold, but he eventually had to settle for second behind Australia’s Oscar Chamberlain.

“A World Championship medal, I can’t be disappointed. It’s been the biggest goal of mine all year. And to do it in UK was really good, getting all the cheers on the road was amazing,” said Wiggins.

Chamberlain tore up the final climb to win in 28:29.62 – 24 seconds ahead of Wiggins. Louis Leidert completed the podium for Germany, with Wiggins’ compatriot Jacob Bush finishing fifth.

Wiggins’ dad is one of cycling’s greatest riders, having won the Tour de France in 2012 as well as eight Olympic medals – including five gold – across the road and velodrome.

“Obviously, we know how good my dad was at time trialling. So it’s always been something I’ve wanted to be good at,” he continued.

“I’ve had good results but with the name, people still compare me and expect me to be a Tour de France winner now! That’s not going to happen. I think I’ve shown today what I can really do.”