Chorley gold medal hero turns his charm on cabbie

11:27am Thursday 21st August 2008

Chorley-based double gold medal winner Bradley Wiggins, had to charm his way out of trouble after rolling over the bonnet of a taxi while celebrating his Olympic triumph.

The cyclist was in high spirits on Tuesday night at London House, the venue in Beijing set up to promote the city ahead of the 2012 Games.

He won two golds - in team and individual pursuits - and was perhaps also trying to cheer himself up after losing out on a third yesterday.

Wiggins’ stunt, rolling over the taxi’s bonnet, did not please the driver, and police officers stepped in to make the peace.

The athlete, who grew up in London, charmed the irate cabbie by posing for pictures with him and his medals.

A British Olympic Association spokeswoman said: “He was at London House yesterday celebrating his achievements and rolled over the bonnet of a parked taxi that was waiting outside.

”The driver was not very happy and got out and there were some police officers already there who spoke to the driver. It ended up very good-natured, with photos being taken of him, the driver and his medals.”

Wiggins flew back to Britain on Wednesday morning as planned and was upgraded to first class by the airline in recognition of his gold medal success.

On Tuesday night, he failed to appear at a press conference at the end of the track cycling programme in Beijing which brought unprecedented success for the British team.