'Back in 2012, everyone knew who Bradley Wiggins was. Everyone, that is, but me. Thirteen years after the summer that defined me, I have finally defined myself. The disguises have gone. I've made peace with myself.'
Think you know Bradley Wiggins? Think again.
Bradley Wiggins is the greatest British cyclist of his generation. A national hero on both track and road, he won five Olympic gold medals, eight world titles and the Tour de France.
But his is a story mired in contradiction, controversy, and confusion. Sat on a throne after winning gold at London 2012, just ten days after becoming the first Briton to win the Tour de France, here was a man with the world at his feet. Sporting hero. Peoples champion. Legend. Everyone knew who Wiggo was. Everyone, that is, but him.
Bradleys own truth was one of a chaotic and disturbing upbringing characterised by abandonment, violence and abuse. The bike had been his escape but he knew that the second he got out of the saddle he was a shadow-man with no self-belief and even less self-worth.
With zero confidence in his value as a human being, attention was his worst nightmare. Bradleys answer was to wear a mask. He became Sir Wiggo, the loveable rogue, the disguise slowly suffocating the real him, crushing the last few remnants of self-esteem.
Bradley descended into a deep personal despair marked by drug addiction. It was his lowest point, and one which, he freely admits, could have resulted in his death.
Bradleys saviour has been himself. Incredibly he found the strength to embark on a remarkable journey of self-discovery during which he faced his greatest ever opponent the demons inside his head. In so doing he reached an understanding of what and who he is.
The result is this powerful memoir, The Chain.
It is a journey he now wants to share. He wants others to understand they are not alone in their mental battles; that embracing honesty and openness is the key to personal happiness.
Bradley Wiggins has cast aside his fragile shell. Now, as the person he always wanted to be, he has become an inspiration to us all. Forget the jerseys, the medals. Finally, Bradley Wiggins is who he is, in his own skin. He has broken the chain.
