Sir Bradley Wiggins on trauma, addiction recovery, fatherhood and finding himself after cycling

26/06/20263 min read

Five Olympic gold medals, one yellow jersey and life after Lycra. Sir Bradley Wiggins joins Ellie Taylor to talk trauma, fame, sobriety and why a 5am routine matters more than chasing podiums

From growing up in northwest London and using cycling as an escape, to navigating fame, addiction, retirement and recovery, Bradley reflects on the experiences that shaped him. He opens up about childhood trauma, the pressures of elite sport, becoming a father and why strength training, routine and sobriety now play such an important role in his wellbeing.

"I've spent a lot of years working on myself, a lot of years of recovery. And I understand myself. I understand my body. I understand my mind"

Timestamps

[00:00] Intro

[00:28] Meet Sir Bradley Wiggins

[00:58] The driving factor behind Bradley's cycling career

[03:18] The complications of success and self-worth

[04:07] How retirement uncovered trauma and addiction

[06:42] When cycling became his identity

[10:20] What being ‘mentally strong’ really means

[12:13] The importance of talking, getting outside & showing up for yourself

[13:11] Bradley’s journey to strength training

[13:56] Does Bradley miss the competitiveness of cycling?

[15:37] How Bradley's relationship with his body has changed

[16:28] Creatine, nutrition and healthy ageing

[17:17] Dealing with insecurities and self-doubt

[19:21] Bradley shares why he’s proud of his achievements

[20:41] Going back to his old school after being knighted

[21:35] Establishing a relationship as a dad, not a mentor

[23:29] Things Bradley regrets putting his body through

[25:43] Hydration, sleep and Bradley's daily routine

[29:22] What Bradley’s body would thank him for

[30:38] Why Bradley loves creatine

[30:57] Bradley’s beginner guide to cycling

[32:20] The Science Break: BCAAs with Alex Glover

[33:57] The Stack: Quick-fire questions

[36:00] Bradley’s secret to having a positive outlook

"I train for my mental wellbeing now, not my physical wellbeing"

Products discussed

Sir Bradley Wiggins discussed the following products in this episode.

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Disclaimer – The views and opinions expressed by the hosts and guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the positions of Holland & Barrett. The content is intended for general conversation and informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as medical, nutritional or other professional advice. If you are considering taking any supplements or products mentioned, please consult a qualified healthcare professional or speak to one of our qualified in-store colleagues before doing so. Listener discretion is advised, as some topics discussed may be sensitive or potentially triggering.