Bradley Wiggins Opens Up About Struggles with Cocaine Addiction: ‘I Felt Like I Was Walking a Tightrope’

Bradley Wiggins, the esteemed British cyclist and 2012 Tour de France champion, recently shared candid insights into his life after retirement, revealing his battle with addiction and the toll it took on his family. After achieving unprecedented success in his cycling career, Wiggins found himself grappling with tumultuous challenges, including debt, addiction, and the depths of despair.

From Champion to Crisis

Wiggins, who retired in 2016, once stood at the pinnacle of his sport, adorned with five Olympic gold medals and a Tour de France title. However, the post-retirement phase proved to be complicated. Facing substantial financial struggles, he was declared bankrupt last year despite having amassed an estimated fortune of £13 million.

The stark contrast between Wiggins’ glorious past and his current struggles is striking. In his new autobiography, The Chain, the 45-year-old cyclist candidly discusses how he transformed into what he describes as a “functioning cocaine addict.” He expresses gratitude for having survived these dark times, acknowledging the severity of his addiction and the fears his family harbored regarding his well-being.

Family Concerns and Personal Reflection

Wiggins revealed the devastating effect his addiction had on his family, particularly his son. “There were times my son thought I was going to be found dead in the morning,” he admitted. This poignant declaration underscores the weight of his struggles, painting a vivid picture of a family living in fear and uncertainty. The former cyclist shared, “I was a functioning addict. People wouldn’t realize. I was high most of the time for many years.”

His openness about his addiction is accompanied by reflections on the impact it had on his family life. “I was doing s***loads of cocaine. I had a really bad problem. My kids were going to put me in rehab. I was walking a tightrope,” he confessed. The gravity of his situation is palpable, as he grapples with the realities that come from addiction.

Support from Peers in the Cycling Community

In a surprising twist, Wiggins revealed he received support from fellow cyclist Lance Armstrong, a controversial figure himself due to a doping scandal that marred his career. Armstrong has extended his help to others in the cycling community, including former rival Jan Ullrich, who has faced similar battles with addiction and mental health. Wiggins noted, “[Lance] worried about me for a long time.”

Support from peers can often make a significant difference in the lives of those struggling with addiction. Wiggins’ acknowledgment of Armstrong’s concern highlights the importance of solidarity in confronting personal demons and navigating the treacherous journey of recovery.

Confronting the Truth and Healing

Wiggins elaborated on how his addiction was a form of self-harm, stemming from deeper issues of self-hatred and internal conflict. “It was amplifying my own self-hatred,” he reflected. “It was a form of self-harm and self-sabotage. It was not the person I wanted to be. I realized I was hurting a lot of people around me.” These revelations mark a significant departure from the public persona of a celebrated athlete, exposing the vulnerabilities that often lie hidden beneath the surface.

In past interviews, Wiggins has discussed the personal struggles he faced during his youth, including abuse by a cycling coach and the emotional aftermath of those experiences. His transparency invites deeper discussion on the challenges faced by athletes who transition from competitive environments into post-career life.

The Jiffy Bag Incident and Its Aftermath

Adding to his personal struggles, Wiggins also became embroiled in the so-called “jiffy bag” incident, which stirred controversy within Team Sky and British Cycling. An investigation was launched following the delivery of a suspicious package to Wiggins during the 2011 Criterium de Dauphine. The inquiry sparked debates regarding the ethics of doping and the responsibilities of professional athletes.

Reflecting on this tumultuous period, Wiggins expressed a desire to find closure regarding the questions raised during the investigation. “I felt some of those questions needed to be answered and put to bed from the people that could answer those questions,” he stated, emphasizing his need for clarity about the events that transpired.

Finding Peace and Overcoming Addiction

After a tumultuous journey filled with hardship, Wiggins shared a glimmer of hope. He disclosed that he was able to quit his addiction around a year ago without the need for external intervention. This newfound sense of peace signifies a critical turning point in his life, showcasing his resilience and determination to overcome the battles that once threatened to consume him.

His son, Ben, has since stepped into the spotlight as a talented cyclist in his own right, currently riding for the UCI team Hagens Berman Jayco. In 2023, Ben emerged as a junior world champion in the Madison event, illustrating that familial ties can blossom positively even in the wake of an overwhelmed past. Wiggins’ journey of personal recovery serves as a testament to the potential for healing, redemption, and the power of hope.

A Message of Hope

Bradley Wiggins’ candid reflections on his struggles with addiction and the impact it had on his life and family resonate on many levels. His story sheds light on the serious implications of addiction, mental health, and the complex journey to recovery. As he continues to heal and share his experiences, he offers a glimmer of hope to others who may be navigating similar challenges, proving that transformation and redemption are indeed possible.