Sky’s the limit for Bradley Wiggins as he agrees lucrative deal

Pedal power: Bradley Wiggins, at today’s press conference, will be among the favourites to win next year’s Tour de France
13 April 2012

Bradley Wiggins has become one of the world's highest-paid cyclists after signing a four-year deal with Team Sky.

The Londoner has been the long-term target to head up British cycling boss Dave Brailsford's outfit for months but hinted earlier this week that the deal looked likely to be delayed by a year.

However, it is thought Brailsford agreed compensation of £2million with Team Garmin to buy Wiggins out of the final year of his contract.

Wiggins, reported to have signed a £900,000 deal which triples his salary, was heralded by Brailsford as Sky's "marquee rider" as he was unveiled today and the rider himself described the move as "like coming home".

He added: "I'll be at a British team with management and riders who have shaped me as a rider. It has been an amazing year for me and my ride at the Tour de France has given me the drive to aim even higher.

"I know I can continue to develop and Team Sky is the perfect place to make that happen.

"Team Sky have huge ambitions, not just for the team but for cycling and inspiring the public to ride."

Team Sky, who already have the required International Cycling Union ProTour cycling licence, now look certain of a place at the Tour after signing a rider of Wiggins's calibre.

The 29-year-old, who made his name on the track with medals at the last three Olympics, was arguably the revelation of this year's race after
turning his attention fully to the road for the first time in his career.

He put down his fourth place — equalling the previous best by a Briton achieved by Robert Millar in 1984 — to shedding weight through a strict diet but intriguingly credited Team GB's backroom staff rather than Garmin for getting him ready for July's Tour.

After this year's heroics, Wiggins will be among the favourites for the 2010 edition but downplayed his chances of catching 2009 winner Alberto Contador despite approaching his peak as a rider and the full backing of Team Sky.

Brailsford, meanwhile, said he aimed to make Wiggins "the best he can possibly be". He added: "My personal opinion is that he can come very close to the top of the Tour podium".

Wiggins is the seventh British rider to join Team Sky, following the acquisition of Geraint Thomas, Ian Stannard, Russell Downing, Peter Kennaugh, Chris Froome and Steve Cummings.

Brailsford, though, had been looking for a star name to head up his team since unveiling plans for a British-run outfit in February. And after agreeing terms with Wiggins, he said: "It's the perfect fit and he'll be a marquee rider for us. He is an exceptional athlete, an exceptional performer at a great age and he'll get better still."

Wiggins had made no secret of his desire to leave Garmin, despite having signed a two-year deal with the American team in October 2008.

In September, he likened Team Sky to Manchester United and bemoaned the fact he was then only on the books "of Wigan".

Meanwhile, Lance Armstrong has revealed he will quit cycling for good in two years.

The 38-year-old American, who has won seven tours, said: "After 2011, I'll retire."

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