One way to answer the doubters, of course, is to deliver a career-best performance and Wiggins did exactly that at Paris-Roubaix.

Riding alongside team-mate Geraint Thomas, Wiggins silenced any who had questioned how he would fare on the cobbles as the two remained an integral part of the day’s leading group.

With Tom Boonen, Peter Sagan and Fabian Cancellara among those for company, Wiggins and Thomas remained in contention until Niki Terpstra blasted off the front on his way to a solo victory.

Nevertheless, a top-ten place and a promise of returning in 12 months time led to comparisons with the great cyclists of the past who have juggled Tour and cobbles success as Wiggins added yet another string to his already enviable bow.