Is Bradley Wiggins Set to Take Lance Armstrong’s Outsiders Crown?

UK cyclist Bradley Wiggins has already said you can bet the house on him winning the Tour de France. He’s almost there and he could be the first Brit to win - just like Lance Armstrong was the first US biker to take the crown.

For years this fearsome test of guts, determination, stamina and skill was owned by European bikers. French, Italian, Belgian and Spanish riders contested the Yellow jersey day after day with US and British competitors slaving away – well off the pace. Back in the sixties British rider Tommy Simpson collapsed by the road and died in his desperate attempts to succeed.

That a British rider is doing so well this year is ironical. Simpson probably died because he was using drugs and his heart simply said no more.

This year. following increased emphasis on testing, the Tour is cleaner. Stats show that over key stretches – times are slower this year. The difference is said to be – no performance enhancing drugs.

Wiggins reacts furiously whenever it is inferred that his success must be drug fuelled. He is clean and determined to stay that way.

Even stranger, French spectators are supporting Wiggins along the route. There is no love lost between France and Britain – in any area – particularly sporting. But Wiggins is being cheered along with shouts of “Allez Wiggo!” Go Wiggins – from a French crowd.

Lance Armstrong of course has had his controversies over the drugs issue  – but he did achieve a magnificent bunch of victories and has passed many drug tests. 

So in the final stretch around Paris the cry is “Allez Wiggo!” Truly, wonders will never cease.