Last Updated on April 29, 2023
Bradley Wiggins’ team doctor Steve Baynes announced on Wednesday that the 34 year old British rider would pull out of the Tour of Switzerland following a crash during Tuesday’s 4th stage.
Wiggins had already been struggling during the tour, and had been slipping out of contention for a top spot going in to stage 4. At the time of the crash, Wiggins was not involved in any rough riding, but had been hanging back trying to stay safe.
He told teamsky.com “Ironically, I was the last man in the peloton, trying to stay out of trouble when it happened.”
The crash occurred when Wiggins hit his brakes to match those in front of him, and was rear-ended by a rider behind him. Wiggins suffered injuries to his right thigh and knee, but was able to finish the ride, albeit without ever really rejoining the race. Team doctors told the website that Wiggins’ injuries would require “Some treatment,” but did not specify any specific course of action.
Wiggins had already been suffering through a chest infection during this tour, which may help explain his disappointing results in the first three stages of the race. Wiggins told theguardian.com that his only focus for Switzerland had been Friday’s time trial, but that with his chest infection, “I’d never have been 100% for it.”
Wiggins flew back to the UK following the announcement of his withdrawal, and will now spend some time healing and preparing for the upcoming Tour de France.
Leave a Reply