Rising British cyclist Ben Wiggins has spoken candidly about the double-edged sword of being the son of one of cycling’s greatest figures, Sir Bradley Wiggins. Currently racing at the Under-23 Giro d’Italia, known as the Giro Next Gen, the 20-year-old from Ormskirk acknowledges that his famous surname often brings extra pressure and unrealistic comparisons. While it has opened some doors, Wiggins emphasized that it also invites scrutiny and expectations that can be difficult to manage.
Wiggins began racing competitively in 2022 with the junior team Fensham Howes-MAS Design. His breakout moment came at the 2023 World Championships, where he claimed a silver medal in the junior individual time trial.
That success attracted offers from numerous teams, but Wiggins chose to join Hagens Berman Jayco in the U.S., managed by Axel Merckx—the son of legendary Tour de France winner Eddy Merckx. The shared experience of growing up in the shadow of a sporting icon helped shape Wiggins’ decision.
“For me, having that figure in the team who felt the same experience—on a bigger scale—was the biggest attraction,” Wiggins explained. As he continues to forge his own path, Wiggins remains focused on building a name for himself beyond his father’s legacy. Despite the comparisons, he is determined to progress on his own terms, acknowledging that his journey is just beginning at age 20.
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