British cyclist Sir Bradley Wiggins said he would be training for the next Olympics last night despite the perfect excuse for an evening off – being knighted by the Queen.
The 33-year-old was honoured for services to cycling in a career that has included seven Olympic medals and becoming the first Briton to win the Tour de France.
Sir Bradley, who was joined at Buckingham Palace yesterday by his wife and two children, said the title was an “incredible honour” for the “inferior” accomplishment of winning a bike race.
Still visibly shell-shocked moments after the ceremony, he said: “It was quite nerve-wracking actually. I’m still shaking. I’m glad it’s over. The Queen asked what I’m doing now, and said it was an incredible summer last year. It’s quite humbling being here.
“I was talking to some of the other people getting stuff, and asking them what they’ve been honoured for, and they’re historic things, ground-breaking sciences or whatever. I’ve won a bike race, you know, and I feel a little bit inferior to everyone, really. It’s a great honour.” The newly-knighted cyclist turned heads among fellow honours recipients by maintaining his reputation for mod style. Sir Bradley wore a brown, bell-bottomed, three-piece suit for the occasion, complete with a knitted tie and suede collar.
Sir Bradley also revealed that preparations for forthcoming races are dominating his schedule. Explaining that he was not able to go out for celebrations last night, he said: “I’m looking forward now, trying to concentrate on the next Olympic cycle. I’ll probably be training this evening. It’s ongoing at the moment.”
Wasim Khan, 42, the first British-born Pakistani cricketer, received an MBE for services to cricket and charity through the Chance to Shine programme, which encourages cricket in state schools.
He said the honour was “wonderful” recognition of his 11-year career.
Richard Lewis, former chairman of Sport England and current chief executive of Wimbledon tennis club, who was also honoured with an MBE yesterday.
Sculptor Sir Anish Kapoor was knighted for services to the visual arts while musician and songwriter Polly Harvey was awarded an MBE. Known on stage as PJ Harvey, the 44-year-old has previously received two Mercury Prizes and was recognised at the 2011 NME awards for her outstanding contribution to music.
Receiving the Queen’s Gallantry Medal, Warrant Officer Class 1 Andreas Peat, of the Royal Logistic Corps, said of the honour: “I don’t think it’s quite sunk in yet. Clearly it’s a team effort, but it’s a fantastic day, fantastic surroundings.”