Rising cycling star sets sights on world stage

Rising cycling star Craig Wiggins has set his sights on reaching the world stage next year after being named as Albany’s Junior Sportsperson of the Year for the second time.

The 16-year-old who produced the race of his life last year to win the under-17 criterium at the Cycling Australia Junior Road National Championships to highlight his outstanding year, was quick to acknowledge the support from his club and supporters to help him reach his goals.

“Thanks to all the supporters and especially the club for helping me fundraise to get to all these events; it’s just getting more and more expensive and the further I want to take this is the further I’ve got to go away from Albany basically,” he said.

“Without them I wouldn’t be riding at the ability I am now.”

Wiggins’s stand-out year included not only his maiden under-17 national gold but also claimed silver in the under-17 national road race, national team sprint challenge and national keirin championships.

To go with impressive performances at national level, he also won five State titles on track and road.

The young gun became one of the youngest winners of the junior category in 2013 and edged out a hotly contested field of 12 finalists including a number of national champions to clinch his second junior sportsperson title last Thursday night.

At the age of 16, Wiggins already has three national titles and 14 State titles to his name with his sights set on an under-19 world championships next year.

“Next year is the year I want to qualify for worlds as I will be oldest in the category and have the best chance and most experience,” he said.

“Once you get there and if you place well there then you’re basically set on to a pro team if they pick you up.

“Once you get your foot in the door you can show them what you’ve got.

“I love the sport so much I just want to ride my bike all the time.”