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Ronnie Wood at Barcelona v AC Milan

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Rolling Stone axeman Wood spotted in the Nou Camp getting plenty of satisfaction

By
John Drayton

PUBLISHED:

20:45 GMT, 12 March 2013

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UPDATED:

21:41 GMT, 12 March 2013

Rolling Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood knows plenty about hot tickets. But usually people are buying them for his shows.

On Tuesday it was Wood shelling out, as he treated his wife Sally to an evening of high quality football as Barcelona faced AC Milan in the Nou Camp.

Many claim the Stones are rock's greatest band and Wood found himself watching someone else at the top of his trade too, as Lionel Messi went on a rampage.

Excited: Ronnie Wood enjoying the action with his wife Sally... and with a cigarette (below)

Excited: Ronnie Wood enjoying the action with his wife Sally… and with a cigarette (below)

Smokin'

Ruby Tuesday: Ronnie Wood and his wife Sally were in the Nou Camp to see Barca take on Milan

The Barca star painted it black with two stunning first half strikes to rock Milan, who had come to Spain with a two-goal lead.

The first was some real hot stuff – the Argentina international finished exquisitely from outside the box.

Messi then shattered Milan's advantage with his second, sending Barcelona fans out of control.

Barcelona went on to win 4-0, thanks to additional strikes from David Villa and Jordi Alba, leaving Milan firmly under their thumb.

You got me rocking: Lionel Messi celebrates after turning the tie on its head

You got me rocking: Lionel Messi celebrates after turning the tie on its head

Harry Redknapp tells Yann M"Vila to use QPR as stepping stone to Manchester United

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Use QPR as stepping stone to Manchester United! How Harry convinced M'Vila to join Hoops

squad but he is serving a two-year ban from international duty after he and four other players in the Under 21 squad went on an unauthorised night out in November.

Redknapp said: 'He is a top, proper footballer. He can play. He controls the game, he can pass the ball, he is strong.

'He's had a few problems off the field but he is only young. If he behaves himself and comes and plays for us as he is able to then he will be a great asset.'

QPR star Adel Taarabt claims his agent is in talks with AC Milan over possible move

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QPR star Taarabt says he is in talks with AC Milan… and could use move as stepping stone for Real or Barca

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UPDATED:

08:48 GMT, 25 December 2012

QPR playmaker Adel Taarabt claims he is in talks with AC Milan over a possible move to the San Siro.

The Moroccan star says his agent is in talks with Milan chief executive Adriano Galliani and that Milan could tempt him to turn down any potential advances from a top Premier League club or Real Madrid or Barcelona.

Taarabt played a key role for struggling QPR in their first Premier League win of the season against Fulham earlier this month when he scored both goals, and his performances have lead to speculation that he could leave the struggling club.

Heading to Italy Adel Taarabt claims his agent is talking to AC Milan

Heading to Italy Adel Taarabt claims his agent is talking to AC Milan

Taarabt told Gazzetta dello Sport: ‘I would only refuse offers from the big English clubs if Milan made me an offer.

‘My agent is in talks with Galliani, but it depends on what happens with Robinho and [reported AC Milan target Javier] Pastore.

Star performer: Taarabt has been in good form for struggling QPR

Star performer: Taarabt has been in good form for struggling QPR

‘Milan aren’t going through a glorious period now, and they’re no longer a part of the top clubs.

‘However, if I joined Milan then it would open up the doors for me to great clubs like Real Madrid and Barca.’

And Taarabt believe he could be a success with the Italian giants – just like his friend and former Tottenham team-mate Kevin-Prince Boateng.

Milan man: Taarabt says the success of Kevin Prince Boateng at Milan makes him believe he can do well there

Milan man: Taarabt says the success of Kevin Prince Boateng at Milan makes him believe he can do well there

Both players struggled to make an impact on the first team at White Hart Lane before being sold and Taarabt added: ‘My friend Boateng is also at Milan. When we were at Tottenham he was often in the stands, so I think that I have a chance too.’

Brian O"Driscoll: I"d rather not be a Lion than lose in Australia

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I'd rather not be a Lion than lose in Oz… After three torrid tours, Ireland legend
O'Driscoll says winning really IS everything

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UPDATED:

00:05 GMT, 19 December 2012

Brian O'Driscoll has no hesitation in turning an old sporting maxim on its head. It’s about winning, not just taking part.

Ireland's convalescing captain has no appetite for merely representing the Lions, he wants the series win which has eluded him.

The 33-year-old king of centres is recovering from ankle surgery and hopes to return to action with Leinster in early-to-mid January. Beyond that, he has his sights on leading his country into the Six Nations. Then and only then, the Lions tour to Australia next summer will loom large on his radar.

Leading light: Brian O'Driscoll is in the frame to be British and Irish Lions captain once again

Leading light: Brian O'Driscoll is in the frame to be British and Irish Lions captain once again

Leading light: Brian O'Driscoll is in the frame to be British and Irish Lions captain once again

But even at this stage of the season, his thoughts about the 2013 crusade under Warren Gatland’s command are clear. His ambitions are set in stone, certainly the one which overrides the rest.

O’Driscoll has already done the full cycle of Lions trips — to Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. He has savoured the occasions for their own sake, now he wants the prize. He has no desire to be a loser left with the consolation of more caps and tarnished memories.

‘It’s not a matter of just making a Lions squad,’ he said. ‘If you said, “You can go on the trip, but you are not going to win the series”, I would have no interest in going. The only reason to go on another Lions trip would be to win the series — to do something I haven’t done before.

‘I’ve been to Australia before, I’ve seen the places, it’s great. But I can go on my holidays and do that. It’s all about winning the series. I have one Lions victory in six Tests, which isn’t anything to shout about. I don’t want to go on four Lions tours and win none of them. People don’t remember losing Lions tours, they only remember winning tours.’

O’Driscoll acknowledged that his own mindset is a reflection of his status as a veteran who has been there and done it all as a Lion – almost. ‘Different guys will go at different stages of their careers and some will go with the excitement of the trip, but I’ve had that,’ he added. ‘I just want to win one. We need to win one. They are wonderful trips, but they are unsustainable if the home nation always wins.’

Wizard of Oz: O'Driscoll burst onto the scene with the Lions during the Tour to Australia in 2001

Wizard of Oz: O'Driscoll burst onto the scene with the Lions during the Tour to Australia in 2001

In his view, the challenge is greater now for the hastily-prepared tourists than it ever was but O’Driscoll is adamant that the squad who head Down Under have it in them to beat the Wallabies.

After all, he was part of the team so agonisingly denied by the Springboks in 2009 — suffering narrow defeats in Durban and Pretoria before winning the finale in Johannesburg without the Irishman, who had gone home injured.

Four years earlier, O’Driscoll was captain, but his series against the All Blacks amounted to less than one minute before he was brutally spear-tackled by Tana Umaga and Keven Mealamu in the first Test in Christchurch. Now, his name is once again being mentioned among the potential skippers.

If asked to take on leadership duties again, as only the second man after Martin Johnson to land the job twice, he would do so, while mindful of the burden that goes with the role.

‘It would be impossible to turn down the opportunity if I was asked to be captain again,’ said O’Driscoll. ‘It’s too great an honour to contemplate turning down, but there is a lot of pressure on the Lions captain. Having been captain on a tour, then toured when I’m not captain, it is very different.

Ill-fated: The Irishman led the Lions in New Zealand in 2005 but was injured after just one minute of the first Test

Ill-fated: The Irishman led the Lions in New Zealand in 2005 but was injured after just one minute of the first Test

Agony: O'Driscoll was carried off after a shocking spear tackle by Tana Umaga and Keven Mealamu

Agony: O'Driscoll was carried off after a shocking spear tackle by Tana Umaga and Keven Mealamu

VIDEO: The shocking spear tackle on Lions captain O'Driscoll

‘It was a lot more relaxing just being another player, I was able to enjoy it, there was less scrutiny. It is tough, being captain, but you have to try to enjoy it and just be yourself. Whoever does the job this time, he has to use the leadership group around him. Your captain needs to be starting in the Test team, and it is difficult to say at this stage that there is anyone in Britain and Ireland who is guaranteed to be starting.’

It was on the Lions tour to Australia in 2001 that O’Driscoll burst to wider prominence with his try-scoring contribution to victory in the series opener in Brisbane. But he had already announced his Test emergence with a hat-trick for Ireland in Paris in 2000. His Test debut came at the age of 20, as abundant promise was recognised by the-then national coach — Gatland.

Knowing the Kiwi so well, O’Driscoll is convinced the Wales coach can galvanise the best of British and Irish into a winning combination.

‘Warren has earned his stripes, with Wales at the World Cup last year and coming off the back of that with a Grand Slam,’ he said. ‘He has won two Slams with them. He has also been successful with Wasps, then went back to New Zealand and won an NPC, so he deserves that Lions role. Gats is a confident guy. He will instill a belief in his team and he’ll get them in the right place to win the series.’

In vain: The centre was brilliant in South Africa four years ago but the series ended in defeat again

In vain: The centre was brilliant in South Africa four years ago but the series ended in defeat again

In time, O’Driscoll will give careful consideration to his plans, to the tricky decision about whether to retire at the end of this season or play on. Even though he relishes the daily fun of being a ‘33-year-old kid’, he knows that the next World Cup in 2015 is beyond him, but the Lions tour certainly isn’t. When he is back in action, he will set about reminding Gatland of his enduring class, but with a view to winning in Australia, not just taking part.

Brian O’Driscoll was speaking on behalf of HSBC. As proud Principal Partner of The British & Irish Lions on their tour to Australia next year, HSBC is offering all customers an exclusive 30% discount on the official replica Lions jersey at https://store.lionsrugby.com/discount

VIDEO: Kevin Quigley's photoshoot with O'Driscoll

Tony Bellew fights through the blood to step closer to world shot

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Bellew fights through the blood to step closer to world shot

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UPDATED:

23:09 GMT, 17 November 2012

Tony Bellew survived a nasty cut to
jump a step closer to a world title shot with a unanimous decision win
over Argentina's Roberto Bolonti in Nottingham.

The fiery Liverpudlian was seeking
to build on his recent win over Edison Miranda as he looks to earn a
second bid for world honours.

Bellew had shown his world title
credentials in a premature and unsuccessful shot at Nathan Cleverly's
WBO light-heavyweight title last year and has been rebuilding towards
another crack since then.

Stepping stone: Tony Bellew celebrates his victory over Roberto Bolonti

Stepping stone: Tony Bellew celebrates his victory over Roberto Bolonti

He continued that progress at the Capital FM Arena with a solid win over Bolonti despite suffering a nasty third-round cut above the right eye which had initially looked potentially catastrophic to his hopes.

Tonight's scrap with Bolonti was essentially an eliminator of sorts for the WBC crown, with the body's inconsequential 'silver' belt on the line.

Evertonian Bellew, 29, had a record of 18-1 (12KO wins) heading into the bout while 33-year-old Bolonti (30-1, 19KO wins) was boxing outside Argentina for the first time.

Bellew provided the early pressure and landed a left which wobbled Bolonti mid-round.

Through the gate: Tony Bellew throws a punch

Through the gate: Tony Bellew throws a punch

A right to the top of the head then put Bolonti down, though the South American may have lost his footing.

He beat Victor Loughlin's count and survived the round as Bellew failed to capitalise, despite landing a big right.

The second round was all Bellew until a cheeky right from Bolonti gave him food for thought.

A left hook put Bolonti down in the third but again he rose quickly with a clear head.

He was certainly more wary as a result but things threatened to turn when Bellew suffered a bad cut over the right eye, thought to be from a Bolonti left hook.

Down and out: Tony Bellew knocks Roberto Bolonti down

Down and out: Tony Bellew knocks Roberto Bolonti down

The wound was far from superficial as blood flowed into the Englishman's right eye but Bellew at least had Mick Williamson, a renowned cutsman, in his corner.

A left hook to the body by Bellew punctuated a quieter fifth round with the Briton remaining patient safe in the knowledge Williamson had worked his magic on the cut.

Bellew landed a left uppercut in the ninth which was the best shot of the middle rounds while a left hook to the mid-section was correctly adjudged to have been too low.

A right uppercut seemed to hurt Bolonti and Bellew piled in, landing combinations for the first time in several rounds.

Tough test: Roberto Bolonti gets a shot in against Tony Bellew

Tough test: Roberto Bolonti gets a shot in against Tony Bellew

While the pace was slow and the action fractured, Bellew was winning the rounds with relative ease.

Another uppercut in the 10th led to another aggressive flurry but again Bolonti held it together.

At the final bell the fighters embraced, with both men claiming to have won. But the victory was clearly Bellew's, with scores of 120-106, 119-107 and 120-106.

Enoch Balotelli signs for Salford City

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Balotelli signs for Salford City! … (Enoch that is, Mario's younger brother)

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UPDATED:

19:10 GMT, 16 November 2012

Enoch Balotelli, the younger brother of Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli, has joined non-league Salford City on a free transfer.

The 20-year-old signed for the Northern Premier League First Division side after failing to impress during trials at Sunderland and Stoke City last season.

The striker said: ‘I am more than happy to join Salford. I just want to play football. I trained with them last night, I enjoyed it, so I signed.’

Oh, brother: Enoch (left) has signed up for Salford City

Oh, brother: Enoch (left) has signed up for Salford City

Superstar: Mario

Superstar: Mario

Salford confirmed the move on Friday on the club’s official website, with the deal hinging on international clearance.

A statement read: ‘Salford City FC are pleased to announce the signing of Enoch Barwuah, younger brother of Manchester City star Mario Balotelli. The signing is subject to Enoch gaining international clearance, which should hopefully come through in the next couple of weeks.’

Salford chairman Darren Quick told BBC North West Sport: 'He’s been training with us and he’s signed for us, subject to international clearance.

'It’s great for Salford. We hope he can play a few games for us and he can use it as a stepping stone to find a level more suited to him.

'I’ve not met him but I’m told he’s a really nice lad and a really good footballer.

'We play a decent standard of football but some lads don’t want to drop to that level.

'These things can work for both parties. We might get a few more through the gate, and maybe his brother might even come and watch us.'

Darren Bent warned he could be dropped by Paul Lambert

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Lambert warns Bent he could be dropped with Villa striking rivals in fine form

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UPDATED:

21:00 GMT, 28 September 2012

Darren Bent has been warned that his 24m price tag is no protection against the axe.

Aston Villa's club record signing heads into Saturday's derby with fourth-placed West Brom with doubts about his place following Gabriel Agbonlahor's two-goal show at the Etihad Stadium.

Agbonlahor seized the opportunity to partner Villa's new 8m signing Christian Benteke against Manchester City with aplomb.

Threat: Darren Bent's place is not set in stone

Threat: Darren Bent's place is not set in stone

With Bent having scored twice in five appearances so far this season, the England international finds himself under pressure for his place.

The striker was omitted from Roy Hodgson's last squad and manager Paul Lambert says that the fact Villa have spent so much money on Bent does not mean he is an automatic choice.

'Everyone is in the same boat here,' said the Scot, 'I've got no favourites. I have a group of players I trust, no matter who I play.

'It doesn't matter to me who is worth what. It's about who performs on a given day or who is performing. We have to get a winning team.

'I'm trying to create a vibe where if you don't perform, there's someone there. It's the only way to get the best out of people.

'And from what I've seen so far this season, Gabby is an absolute handful. For him, the secret will be sustaining that.

'The other night, he was excellent. He is adaptable and he can do that. But once he gets his head down with the ball in front of him, there's not too many who can stop him.

Stake a claim: Gabriel Agbonlahor is in impressive form

Stake a claim: Gabriel Agbonlahor is in impressive form

'What finishes his game off is the goals, like the two he scored the other night.'

Lambert spent 8m to secure Benteke – a forward who created a good impression on his full debut and against top-quality defenders against Manchester City.

It could be that he throws all three of his forwards into the side to face his erstwhile St Mirren team-mate Steve Clarke's Baggies on Sunday.

Tussle: Christian Benteke is also trying to make his case

Tussle: Christian Benteke is also trying to make his case

'Gabby could play with Bent,' added Lambert, 'I don't think there is a problem with that. They are both very good players.

'And we finished the game against Southampton with Gabby, Darren and Christian on the pitch, so I've got that option as well. If it's one I think is right for Sunday, I could do that.'

LONDON 2012 PARALYMPICS: David Stone wins road race gold

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Stone retains Paralympic title by winning gold in road race at Brands Hatch

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UPDATED:

11:59 GMT, 8 September 2012

David Stone successfully defended his Paralympic Games title with victory in the mixed T1-2 road race at Brands Hatch on Saturday.

The 31-year-old relinquished his time-trial title on Wednesday and was disappointed with bronze.

Gold: Stone celebrates retaining his Paralympic title

Gold: Stone celebrates retaining his Paralympic title

Gold: Stone celebrates retaining his Paralympic title

Gold: Stone celebrates retaining his Paralympic title

Stone, who has cerebral palsy and rides a tricycle, bounced back in the 24-kilometre road race to win his third Paralympic gold medal, seven seconds ahead of Italy's Giorgio Farroni.

David Vondracek of the Czech Republic was three minutes 17 seconds behind in third.

Briton Stone said: 'I made my move, but the Italian (Farroni) stayed with me. It was so hard.

Closing in: Stone hunts down Giorgio Farroni of Italy

Closing in: Stone hunts down Giorgio Farroni of Italy

Closing in: Stone hunts down Giorgio Farroni of Italy

'It makes it better to win today because it was so disappointing not winning in the time-trial.

'Compared to Beijing, the competition was so much better, it's good. It pushes me. It makes it a much better sport.'

More to follow…

Making amends: Stone was disappointed not to win the time-trail on Wednesday

Making amends: Stone was disappointed not to win the time-trail on Wednesday

Making amends: Stone was disappointed not to win the time-trial on Wednesday

Making amends: Stone was disappointed not to win the time-trail on Wednesday

Alan Pardew might face touchline ban for pushing assistant referee

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Touchline ban might be in pipeline for pushy Pardew despite apology to assistant referee

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UPDATED:

21:29 GMT, 19 August 2012

Fantasy football 2012

Newcastle manager Alan Pardew is facing a touchline ban and fine for shoving assistant referee Peter Kirkup in his side’s win over Tottenham on Saturday.

The FA will study referee Martin Atkinson’s report on Monday after the referee sent Pardew to the stands for pushing the linesman in the back.

The incident was missed by Atkinson but
fourth official Lee Mason was standing behind Pardew and Kirkup in the
tunnel and immediately reported it to Atkinson.

Flashpoint: Newcastle manager Alan Pardew pushes referee's assistant Stuart Burt

Flashpoint: Newcastle manager Alan Pardew pushes referee's assistant Stuart Burt

Flashpoint: Pardew (right) is ticked off by the ref

Incensed that Kirkup had missed a throw-in for his team, which led to a shot flying narrowly wide from Aaron Lennon, Pardew had reacted angrily. He impulsively lunged at Kirkup with his right hand when the official appeared in front of him at the edge of his technical dug-out.

Kirkup turned to Pardew and appeared to mouth ‘don’t push me’ before Mason, and Pardew’s assistant John Carver intervened. Mason alerted Atkinson and the referee sent Pardew to the stands for the final 20 minutes.

View point: Pardew looks on from the stands

View point: Pardew looks on from the stands

The Newcastle manager watched from the directors’ box as his side lost their lead and then regained it.

He had to rely on several members of staff running up and down the three flights of the main stand to relay messages to coaches Carver and Steve Stone after a walkie-talkie failed to function.

Pardew went without argument when he was sent upstairs, he shook Mason’s hand before departing, and apologised to Kirkup straight after the game.

London 2012 Olympics: Bradley Wiggins parties with Paul Weller

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Will the real Modfather please stand up Wiggins still revelling in gold triumph as he parties with idol Weller at secret Stone Roses gig

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UPDATED:

13:17 GMT, 7 August 2012

Team GB cycling gold medallist Bradley Wiggins hit the town on Monday night with one of his heroes: Paul Weller.

The Modfather and Wiggins showcased their matching mod hairstyles as they attended Adidas Underground in east London, where the Stone Roses played a secret gig.

The time trial gold medal winner was out with one of his idols in Weller, who was the lead singer of British band The Jam, and the pair posed for a number of photographs together.

Which is which Bradley Wiggins (left) partied with Paul Weller (left) at a secret Stone Roses gig

Which is which Bradley Wiggins (left) partied with Paul Weller (left) at a secret Stone Roses gig

Golden generation: Wiggins posed with Jessica Ennis with his gold medal

Golden generation: Wiggins posed with his gold medal at the stone roses gig

Golden generation: Wiggins posed with his gold medal at the Stone Roses gig, and with Jessica Ennis (left)

But Weller is clearly a fan of Wiggins too. After the 32-year-old took the gold medal as the penultimate rider of the time trial at the London Games earlier this month, Weller tweeted his congratulations for the Team GB cyclist.

He said on his official Twitter page: 'Gold for @bradwiggins! Huge congratulations from all at Paul Weller HQ'

Weller was one of the most influential figures in the late-Seventies mod movement which has clearly influenced Wiggins' styling and dress sense.

In fact, with his mutton chop sideburns, skinny tie and tailored, navy suit, all Wiggins is missing is a Vespa scooter to complete the mod look.

Like old pals: Wiggins and Weller stand arm in arm as they pose for pictures at the gig

Like old pals: Wiggins and Weller stand arm in arm as they pose for pictures at the gig

Similar: Bradley Wiggins and Paul Weller have a similar style

Similar: Bradley Wiggins and Paul Weller have a similar style

Idols: Bradley Wiggins and Paul Weller have a similar style as they attended the party

Another winner: Pete Reed also won gold at the London Games

Jessica Ennis also looked to be enjoying herself, but appears to have forgotten her medal

Pete Reed (left) and Ennis looked as though they were enjoying the event

He towers over the 54-year-old rock star as the pair stand with their arms around one another.

Later in the night, Wiggins partnered up with another of Team GB's gold medal-winners, Jessica Ennis, for some pictures.

Ennis won the 800 metres event in the heptathlon on Saturday to claim gold, the first of three in track and field events on the day.

Greg Rutherford (long jump) and Mo Farah (10,000m) won their events to round off a memorable day for British athletics, as the team won a total of eight golds on Saturday.

Other medal winners turned up at the party in east London including rower Pete Reed.

Looking sharp: Wiggins donned a navy suit and skinny tie to complete the mod look

Looking sharp: Wiggins donned a navy suit and skinny tie to complete the mod look

Looking sharp: Wiggins donned a navy suit and skinny tie to complete the mod look

Here come the celebrities: Rapper Example also attended the party

Here come the celebrities: Radio1 DJ Chris Moyles also attended the party

Here come the celebrities: Rapper Example (left) and Radio1 DJ Chris Moyles (right) also attended the party

The guests – among them celebrities including Chris Moyles,Daisy Lowe and Rosamund Pike – were treated to Absolut vodka cocktails and were serenaded by the vastly popular Manchester band The Stone Roses, who are coming off the back of their reunion tour.

Wiggins made history as he became the first man to win the Tour de France and the Olympic gold in the same year, and has been revelling in this since his time trial victory last Wednesday.

After appearing on stage in front of 100,000 people at Hyde Park after his victory, Wiggins told Absolute Radio: 'The one thing with an endurance sport, we aren't blessed with incredible bodies because we have to be very skinny.

'We have to look very lean and I think one of the great things about being an athletic sprinter like Chris Hoy is that you've got an amazing body to show off.

'We just look like Rodney Trotter. We don't look at all athletic.'

Wiggins partied on Monday night in the city where he began his path to cycling greatness. As a child, the Tour winner began cycling around Hyde Park, where he appeared in front of swathes of Team GB fans last week.

If you've got one, flaunt it: Pete Reed shows off his medals

Jessica Ennis seems to have found her gold medal

If you've got one, flaunt it: Reed shows off his two medals (left) and Ennis appears to have found hers