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Must Reads: Wiggo’, Brailsford knighted; Ballan out of ICU

Bradley Wiggins and Dave Brailsford make the 2013 New Year Honors List, and Alessandro Ballan leaves intensive care

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Wiggo’, Brailsford knighted — BBC

Cyclist Bradley Wiggins has been knighted in the New Year Honors list after winning the Tour de France and then gold at the 2012 London Olympics.

The first Briton ever to win the Tour, 32-year-old Wiggins is joined in being knighted by GB cycling’s performance director Dave Brailsford.

The knighthood caps a dream year for Wiggins, who was named the BBC’s Sports Personality of the Year in December 2012 after he won the Tour in July and the Olympic time trial in August.

He called the honor the “ultimate accolade,” adding he felt it was acknowledgment not only of his achievements in 2012 but over the past 12 years.

“I never ever imagined that I would ever become a knight so it’s an incredible honor but there’s a slight element of disbelief, and it will take a while to sink in,” said Wiggins.

Ballan leaves intensive care — Reuters

Former world road race champion Alessandro Ballan is out of intensive care as he continues to recover from surgery following a high-speed crash in training last week, his BMC team said on Friday.

The Italian, being treated in Spain, remains in hospital after he underwent surgery over a week ago to repair his broken left leg and remove his spleen. The 33-year-old also broke a rib in the accident between Valencia and Alicante.