Retired cycling champion, Bradley Wiggins, confessed to past cocaine addiction following retirement from the sport.
Let's Dish the Tea on Bradley Wiggins' Addiction Battle and His Road to Recovery
Bradley Wiggins, the British cycling legend, has bravely spilled the beans regarding his struggle with addiction. This former Tour de France champ has been candid about his journey towards sobriety, revealing the chaos and heartache along the way.
The Whirlwind of Addiction
Post-retirement in 2016, Wiggins unwillingly found himself slide-riding the coke train, using large amounts of cocaine daily[1][2][3]. This addiction led to some scary situations and put his life on the line. His children were on edge, seriously contemplating sending him for rehab[1][2][3].
This cocaine habit was interconnected with the ghosts of his past. As a child, Wiggins was groomed by a coach and experienced sexual abuse at the tender age of 13[1][2]. These wounds from the past plagued him throughout his career and beyond.
En Route to Soberland
With a clean slate for 12 months now, Wiggins is battling his addictions head-on, attending weekly therapeutic sessions in London[1]. Lance Armstrong, the disgraced cyclist who confessed to doping in 2013, has extended a helping hand, offering to cover the costs for Wiggins' therapy in the US[1][2]. Wiggins stresses the importance of pinpointing his triggers and building control over his life[2].
Family Fallout
Wiggins' addiction took a massive toll on his family. His children were left terrified, thinking they might find him unresponsive the following morning[3]. Despite the turmoil, Wiggins thanks his loved ones for standing by him during this dark phase.
Life's Next chapter
Wiggins is currently writing his autobiography entitled "The Chain," where he tackles his past traumas and works towards inner peace[3]. Facing financial issues, such as recent bankruptcy and divorce, alongside his addiction struggles, Wiggins remains optimistic and determined to move forward[1].
© 2025 AFP
Insights:
- Addiction Timeline: Wiggins' addiction unfolded post-retirement in 2016, and he has been sober for 12 months now.
- Early Childhood Trauma: At age 13, Wiggins was groomed and sexually abused by a coach, which continued to affect him even during his career.
- Support System: Lance Armstrong has provided assistance in Wiggins' therapy sessions.
- Future Focus: Wiggins is working on his autobiography, "The Chain," reflecting on his past trauma and looking towards a more peaceful future.
- Financial Struggles: Wiggins has faced financial hardships, including bankruptcy and divorce, amid his addiction recovery.
- Recently, Bradley Wiggins has been undergoing weekly therapeutic sessions in London, eager to conquer his addiction battles.
- In a move of support, Lance Armstrong, despite his past doping scandal, has offered to cover the costs for Wiggins' therapy sessions in the United States.
- Traveling to France or any other foreign country for cycling tournaments or health-and-wellness retreats focused on mental health and therapies-and-treatments could potentially aid Bradley Wiggins in his personal growth and recovery.
