Two time trial victories at the Tour de France had rightly raised expectations as Bradley Wiggins prepared to tackle the ‘race of truth’ on the streets of London at the Olympics. Having marked the start of the Games by ringing the Olympic bell, Wiggins was already one of the sporting heroes of the summer thanks to his success at the Tour.

But he ensured he went even better at the Olympics, roared on by a phenomenal home crowd Wiggins stormed to the gold medal to cap a phenomenal summer of British cycling. His time of 50.39 was 42 seconds faster than world champion Tony Martin. Clearly in his element, with his form at its very peak, both Team Sky and British Cycling fully behind his efforts, and the crowd roaring him to success, it is little surprise Wiggins enjoyed arguably his greatest year.