Just last year Craig Wiggins was warned by doctors that he may never ride a bike again, but the 23-year-old Australian rider was back on form in the second stage of the Tour de Langkawi in Laub to claim his first international victory.

The ARA Pro Sunshine Coast rider made a tight breakaway to the finish line, but Juan Sebastián Morano finished first. Nevertheless, for Wiggins, even making the start line, let alone the podium, counted as one of his biggest victories.

"It was a big goal of mine to be in this race. Last year was a pretty rough race, but I'm happy to be here and happy with this result.

Last year, Wiggins was hit by a driver during training and suffered an orbital fracture, a broken nose, and general lacerations.

The driver, who also hit another cyclist, now faces charges of attempted murder.

"It's been exactly one year since I was hit by a car," said the driver. And the fact that I'm back here shows that I'm back on my feet and eager to keep racing," Wiggins said."

Wiggins returned to competition in early 2022 in Bay Critz, Australia, just months after his injury. He also made the ARA Pro Cycling race block in Europe before returning to the Tour de Langkawi. The race has already been a success, with a third-place podium finish the last time he participated in 2019 and a fourth-place finish on another stage.

During an interview, Wiggins said he is still looking for more in the remaining sprint stages of the eight-day tour. He tried to chase down a victory that came unexpectedly on the 178.9-km stage to Laube due to the demotion of Morano.

Still, just because the result sheet has gone from second to first, it is unlikely to change this resilient rider's determination to pursue the chance for another win, and this time, one that will make him happy with both hands raised.

"I want to sign a bigger contract next year. That's my number one goal," Wiggins said. Nothing is finalized yet. But I'm hoping to get some results here that will help me move up the ranks."