Track stars become London’s cycling ambassadors

Wiggins, who won gold, silver and bronze at the 2004 Athens Olympics as well as bronze at the 2000 Sydney Games, was unveiled today as one of London’s two new cycling ambassadors as Ken Livingstone launched Transport for London’s spring cycling campaign.

The marketing campaign ‘You’re better off by bike’ will run on television, radio, posters, and in newspapers, gyms, petrol stations and supermarkets, is part of TfL’s strategy to increase the number of people cycling in the capital.

Nikki Harris won the 2005 TfL Women’s Grand Prix race in London and is currently competing in the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne. In the build up to London hosting the Grand Depart of the Tour de France in July 2007, for which Wiggins will be a strong contender, the cyclists will both work with TfL to excite Londoners about cycling.

The spring cycling campaign will run until mid-May. It focuses on the health benefits and convenience of cycling.

Ken Livingstone said:

“It is great news that two such talented cyclists have signed up to help us raise the profile of cycling in London. This is an exciting time, as the number of people cycling on London’s streets is growing plus we are set to host the start of the Tour de France next year. Our new spring cycling campaign will encourage even more people to get on a bike especially for shorter journeys.”

Bradley Wiggins said:

“I’m delighted to be joining the team which won the privilege to host the start of the 2007 Tour de France. I used to cycle around my home city as a boy and it is exciting to see so many more Londoners now taking to their bikes. I can’t wait to ride in the Tour de France here in London and I’m sure the event will excite Londoners and encourage them to give cycling a try.”

Peter Hendy, Commissioner of Transport for London, said:

“Spring is a perfect time to encourage people to cycle. Our new high profile campaign is targeting people who may have thought about cycling, but haven’t yet taken to two wheels. There is a real buzz around cycling and as the weather improves there has never been a better time to give it a go.”