Bradley Wiggins thanks the public after announcing retirement from cycling

Few British cyclists, and few cyclists anywhere in the world, have achieved as much in the sport as Sir Bradley Wiggins.

The 36-year-old North Londoner is one of a select group to have won the Tour de France and multiple Olympic medals, and has announced his retirement from professional cycling after securing team pursuit gold at the 2016 games in Rio de Janeiro. Wiggins has shared the following statement on Facebook, in which he thanks the public for their continued support and says the sport has "given me everything". 'I have been lucky enough to live a dream and fulfil my childhood aspiration of making a living and a career out of the sport I fell in love with at the age of 12. I've met my idols and ridden with and alongside the best for 20 years. I have worked with the world’s best coaches and managers who I will always be grateful to for their support. What will stick with me forever is the support and love from the public though thick and thin, all as a result of riding a pushbike for a living. 2012 blew my mind and was a gas. Cycling has given me everything and I couldn't have done it without the support of my wonderful wife Cath and our amazing kids. 2016 is the end of the road for this chapter, onwards and upwards, "feet on the ground, head in the clouds" kids from Kilburn don't win Olympic Golds and Tour de Frances'! They do now.' Wiggins ends his career with five Olympic gold medals, one Tour de France title and many more victories in elite events.