WIGGINS HOME AND ON TOP

Albany cyclist Craig Wiggins has climbed more mountains than most.

The 20-year-old returned home this week from his latest cycling foray in China with more top-10 finishes, this time in the Tour of Taiyuan and the Tour of Qinlin, and also with the knowledge he is a dual Albany Sportsperson of the Year overall winner.

Wiggins was crowned the 2018 Wellington & Reeves Albany Sportsperson of the Year at the gala presentations on May 30 but due to his riding commitments with St George Continental cycling team, he was not in the room.

“It’s great to come home knowing that I have been recognised as the Albany Sportsperson of the Year,” Wiggins said.

“The award is a huge honour, something I’ll cherish later on.”

The rising star had a best finish of fourth in the Tour of Taiyuan and recorded three top-10 finishes in total during his latest overseas trip.

“I was fourth on stage 6 and battled through because I got sick over there,” he said. “I’ll back off training now for a little bit and then ramp up for the later part of the season in August, which will include a lot of Asian racing.”

Wiggins’ brilliant career to date has netted three junior titles, one senior award and two overall gongs as Albany’s best sports-person.