to move up and down
Too much the commoner to feel comfortable on the golden thrones set up for the medallists in the shadow of Hampton Court Palace, the man they call “Wiggo” got up and back on his bike.
Pumping one fist and then two, Bradley Wiggins rode past the gate containing dignitaries and ticket holders to the fans who came for free — delirious British fans jumping atop the barriers. His bike jersey open to reveal a bare chest, Wiggins blew a kiss to the crowd that ate up his every gesture.
They waved banners reading “Go Wiggo!” and “Wiggold.”
True enough, that. Less than two weeks after becoming the first Brit to win the Tour de France, Bradley Wiggins crushed the field in the Olympic road time trial, covering the 44-kilometre course around the countryside southwest of London in 50 minutes, 39.54 seconds, 42 seconds faster than second-place Tony Martin of Germany. Wiggins’ countryman and Team Sky teammate, Chris Froome, was third. Canada’s Ryder Hesjedal finished 28th.
The Red Arrows, the Royal Air Force aerobatic team fly over the stadium during the Opening Ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium on July 27, 2012 in London, England. Click here for more photos of the Olympic Opening Ceremony.
Photo: Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images
