He completed the 10-kilometer route that wound its way along Hong Kong's harborfront in one hour 32 minutes and 28 seconds -- four minutes faster than his time last year despite a small stumble.

CNN: STORY HIGHLIGHTS

But it could be difficult for Wiggins to defend his title, with many observers already suggesting the 32-year-old could struggle with 2013's comparatively hilly route.

CNN: October 24, 2012 -- Updated 1231 GMT (2031 HKT)

Credit Suisse estimates that 35% of China COSCO's revenue and 32% of China Shipping Container Lines' comes from the Asia-Europe route, while earnings from European trade for the country's port operators varies between 7.3% to 34.1%.

FORBES