AMONG the thousands cheering Olympic gold medallist Bradley Wiggins on to victory yesterday were a group of sports-mad residents from St Albans, some of whom donned fake sideburns to emulate their sporting hero.

A teenager, who did not want to be named, described the atmosphere at the men’s time trial event yesterday, Wednesday August 1, as “buzzing”.

He added: “It was bustling and energetic. Everyone was cheering, especially for the British cyclists. It was a great experience being there and seeing Bradley win gold.

“There was a massive roar from the crowd when he went past. Lots of people had fake sideburns.”

Bradley was one of three British athletes to win gold yesterday, with Heather Stanning and Helen Glover becoming the first British gold medallists in women’s rowing.

Team GB chef de mission Andy Hunt said Bradley had, “cemented his position as one of the greatest British Olympians ever.

“To claim an Olympic gold medal and the Tour de France in the span of less than four weeks is nothing short of extraordinary.”

Andy said it demonstrated the “outstanding” work being done by British Cycling to develop world-class athletes.

He added that the gold-winning trio had written their, “very own unique and wonderful chapters in the storied history of British Olympic sport.”