Wiggings is in ruins, he has lost his houses and his fortune, but he is happy again on a bike
The former Tour de France winner and one of the most decorated Olympic medalists in the United Kingdom, Bradley Wiggins, has been declared bankrupt after a long legal battle that began in 2020 following the dissolution of his personal company through which he managed all his investments. Now, all his assets have been seized and will be auctioned off to satisfy outstanding debts with his creditors.
Bradley Wiggins could lose his Olympic medals
A complicated situation for the former professional cyclist and one of the greatest track cyclists in history. Don't worry, we're not talking about them taking away his victories, but Bradley Wiggins could lose his medals, we mean physically the medals, after the judge ordered the seizure of all his assets that will be auctioned off to satisfy the demands of the creditors. Among these assets are his coveted Olympic medals, making him the third most decorated cyclist in Olympic history behind his compatriots Chris Hoy and Janon Kenny.
Wiggins' problems began in 2020 when he was forced to liquidate the company that managed his finances, which he co-owned with his ex-wife, from whom he divorced that same year. His creditors continued the legal battle to claim what was owed to them, and two years later, he reached an agreement with them for a debt that was close to a million pounds.
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However, by the end of 2023, Wiggins had still not made the payments, which reignited the legal demand that concluded just a few weeks ago with the bankruptcy declaration issued by the Lancaster County Court pending the seizure of all his assets, including the precious Olympic medals that, according to some expert appraisers, only the five gold ones could fetch a price of around 250,000 pounds as a set.
Wiggins blames this entire situation on having trusted his finances and being advised by the wrong people whom he accuses of defrauding him in the management of his assets. In fact, Wiggins has already stated that he would pursue legal action against these individuals. However, the British athlete's life has been tumultuous since he retired from cycling in 2016, even renouncing the sport and trying his hand at rowing.
Nevertheless, in these turbulent times, it has been the bike that has provided him with a kind of lifeline to hold onto, collaborating on broadcasts for the Eurosport channel where he is often seen commenting on the race from inside following the event on a motorcycle. In fact, Wiggins admits that, despite trying to leave cycling in the past, it is something that is always there and has become the "great distraction" from all the problems that have plagued him over the years, both personal and financial.
Wiggins admits that there was a time when he didn't even watch the races. However, now he has found a "happy balance." "Enough time has passed. Now I'm looking forward to getting back on the bike and rediscovering my level."
In addition to collaborating with Eurosport, Bradley Wiggins also works with a sports nutrition brand in developing new products and participating in various events as he tries to redefine his future. A future in which he is clear that cycling will play an important role despite still maintaining a love/hate relationship with the sport.