Bradley Wiggins should aim the Vuelta a Espana and the Giro d’Italia 2013 to establish himself as a cycling “legend”, Shane Sutton
British Cycling Head Coach Shane Sutton has advised Bradley Wiggins to try and win the Vuelta a Espana and the Giro d’Italia in the coming season in order to become a cycling ‘legend’.
"Nothing can take that away from him. It took 106 years in the making, not of Brad obviously, but to find a British winner and it is a phenomenal achievement," he briefed to Sportsbeat news agency.
Wiggins has already filled his bag with an overall victory at the Tour de France 2012 and became the first ever British cyclist to receive the honour.
He also managed to get his hands on the Olympics Gold medal in London this year which is his fourth gold at the Olympics event.
The 32-year-old rode brilliantly throughout the French Grand Tour and was never challenged by any cyclist.
His teammate, Christopher Froome was the only rider that looked close for the first position but even he had to surrender in front of his in-form compatriot.
Froome finished the race at the second position and fell 3 minutes and 21 seconds behind Wiggins, while Vincenzo Nibali, Jurgen Van Den Broeck and Tejay Van Garderen secured the third, fourth and the fifth positions in the respective order.
Sutton believes that the Tour de France and the Olympics victory still makes Bradley a British hero but also noted that claiming three Grand Tours can definitely improve his popularity.
"But I think the legendary status for him could be enhanced by winning the three grand tours. I think he should target the tour of Italy and then the Vuelta,” he noted.
Wiggins rode the Vuelta a Espana 2011 with a fractured collarbone and still managed to finish third after the final general classifications.
“So that is doable. The Giro is a different one; it is a different kettle of fish. But if anyone can do it Brad can,” he concluded.
Sutton also hinted that the Tour de France 2012 is expected to have heavy mountain stages which will suit Christopher Froome better and if Wiggins opts out from the French race, Froome can have his chances for an overall victory.
It will be interesting to see how the reigning Tour de France champion, plans the coming season as he is pretty much capable of making Shane’s wishes come true.
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