Cycling hero Bradley Wiggins’ message to Kilburn kids as he retires

Bradley Wiggins sitting on the throne as he celebrates winning the Olympic men's individual time trial at Hampton Court Palace, London. Photo: John Giles/PA (Image: PA Wire/Press Association Images)

Sir Bradley, nicknamed the ‘kid from Kilburn’ let fans know on his instagram that he was standing down.

The five time Olympic Gold champion and first Briton to win the Tour de France gave a characteristic end to his message for all the Kilburn youngsters behind him, saying: “’2016 is the end of the road for this chapter, onwards and upwards, “feet on the ground, head in the clouds” kids from Kilburn don’t win Olympic Golds and Tour de Frances’! They do now.’ #WIGGINS”

The 36-year-old grew up in Dibdin House, Kilburn, and attended St Augustine’s School in Oxford Road.

Two years ago a sculpture in his honour was unveiled in the grounds of the school he attended two decades ago.

The sculpture to honour Sir Bradley Wiggins was unveiled at St Augustines School today (Image: Archant)

Mr Wiggins, who won gold at the London 2012 Olympic games and became the first ever Brit to win the Tour de France was given a knighthood in honour for his services to cycling in December 2013.

In total he has won eight Olympic medals, five of them Gold, a silver and two bronze.

Here is his full statement: “I have been lucky enough to live a dream and fulfil my childhood aspiration of making a living and a career out of the sport I fell in love with at the age of 12. I’ve met my idols and ridden with and alongside the best for 20 years. I have worked with the world’s best coaches and managers who I will always be grateful to for their support.

“What will stick with me forever is the support and love from the public though thick and thin, all as a result of riding a pushbike for a living. 2012 blew my mind and was a gas. Cycling has given me everything and I couldn’t have done it without the support of my wonderful wife Cath and our amazing kids.

“2016 is the end of the road for this chapter, onwards and upwards, “feet on the ground, head in the clouds” kids from Kilburn don’t win Olympic Golds and Tour de Frances’! They do now.” #WIGGINS