He placed third behind Lance Armstrong and Jan Ullrich of Germany in 2003 and fifth in 2005.

NPR: Tour de France 2007: Top Contenders

The team, whose riders include former Tour de France winner Jan Ullrich, had their licence overturned due to the non-payment of riders' wages.

BBC: Team Coast free to compete

Erik Zabel has been named captain of cycling's Team Telekom for their first year without former Tour de France winner Jan Ullrich, now with Team Coast.

BBC: Italian cyclist Mario Cipollini

Ivan Basso, Jan Ullrich, Marco Pantani, and Joseba Beloki look on from a distance, bewildered that after training all their lives they continually stand in your shadow.

FORBES: Lose Trust and You're Lost: Five Crucial Steps Lance Armstrong Didn't Take

They are star European riders Jan Ullrich and Ivan Basso.

NPR: Doping Allegations Rock Tour de France

Many see him as a major threat to Armstrong, particularly in the mountains, but he still lacks the time trialling ability to match the likes of Armstrong and Jan Ullrich.

BBC: SPORT | Other Sport... | Cycling | Roberto Heras

Jan Ullrich was third last year to Lance Armstrong.

NPR: Doping Allegations Rock Tour de France

With a single individual time-trial and fewer finishes at high altitude, the 2005 Tour could be a little less demanding than in recent years and give the likes of Jan Ullrich and Joseba Beloki more recovery time.

BBC: SPORT | Other Sport | Cycling | Tour bosses announce 2005 route

Former fan-favorite riders like Lance Armstrong, Jan Ullrich and Tyler Hamilton have had their reputations marred with doping bans, making it even easier for Wiggins to collect thousands of new fans looking for rider to root for.

FORBES: British Hero Bradley Wiggins Claims Host Nation's Second Gold Medal At London Olympics