Bradley Wiggins described his victory in the Paris-Nice race as one of his biggest, after winning the final time trial to become only the second British rider to triumph in the event.
The win was particularly significant for Wiggins because Tom Simpson, who won the event in 1967 but died later that year during the Tour de France, is one of his idols.
“To follow in Tom Simpson’s footsteps and become the second British rider to win Paris-Nice is something special,” said Wiggins, 32.
“I’d probably say it’s one of my biggest wins – as was the Dauphiné and to have both those on my palmares is a huge honour.”
The result will see Wiggins, who grew up in Maida Vale, taken more seriously as a Tour de France contender in July.
He won last year’s Critérium du Dauphiné, another week-long stage race, and was in good form in Le Tour before breaking his collarbone in a fall.
On Sunday, triple Olympic track champion Wiggins held a six-second advantage over Dutchman Lieuwe Westra going into the final stage, a short time trial which is his speciality.
He finished on top but just two seconds ahead of Westra in 19 min 12 secs.
“It was a very tough final time trial and I knew that Westra was very strong,” he said. “But in terms of pressure it was nothing compared to an Olympic track final.
“You can enjoy the moment. I was confident of my ability and today I rode it perfect.”
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This post was last modified on 12/03/2012