This man had the best summer in the history of cycling. First British rider to win the Tour de France. Rings the bell at the Opening Ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games. Wins the Olympic medal in the time trial to become the most decorated British athlete in history. And you know what? He’s actually done it rather easily.

Don’t take that the wrong way. Nothing about what he’s done for himself, his team, or his country in 2012 has been easy. No rider can be said to have trained harder, more precisely or more carefully than the Mod with the trademark sideburns. What was easy was the transition from far-flung, odd-ball with skinny legs to one of the most successful professionals in history. How many riders have won Paris-Nice? The Dauphine? The Tour? An Olympic gold medal? There’s a handful at most. Bradley Wiggins did it all in six months.

Sit back and enjoy. You won’t see this again.