Sir Brad was the toast of the nation as 2012 turned into 2013, and started the new year with the ambition of adding the Giro d’Italia title to his Tour success of the previous campaign.

A steady start to the season, including fifth places at the Volta a Catalunya and Giro del Trentino did little to dampen expectations, and neither did Team Sky’s strong team time trial effort to open the Giro.

However, after a crash on stage seven saw him lose time, more misfortune struck as a puncture cost him in the individual time trial.

Wiggins then suffered in the wet weather – not least when descending – while illness and, crucially, a knee injury saw him abandon the Giro, also ending his hopes of defending the Tour de France. After months of intrigue and a very public spat with Chris Froome, Wiggins announced that he wouldn’t started the 2013 Tour.