Bradley Wiggins released from hospital after bike crash

CHORLEY, England (AP) -- Tour de France champion Bradley Wiggins was released from hospital on Thursday after a collision with a car, a few hours after a separate crash left his British Cycling coach with a head injury.

Wiggins, who is also the Olympic time trial champion, sustained bruises to his ribs and hands when he was hit by a car while out training on his bike.

"Bradley has been discharged from hospital after suffering minor injuries... but is expected to make a full and speedy recovery,'' said Team Sky's Dr. Richard Freeman. "He is now going to spend the weekend at home convalescing with his family.''

Wiggins returned home just as Britain coach Shane Sutton was hospitalized following an accident at a nearby location in the Manchester area.

"Shane was taken into hospital where it was identified he has suffered bruising and bleeding on the brain.'' British Cycling said in a statement. "He is set to undergo more tests, and is likely to stay in hospital for the next few days.

"It is extremely rare that our riders and coaches are hurt while out cycling on the road, even rarer that two incidents should occur in a short space of time, and we wish Shane and Bradley a speedy recovery.''

Wiggins became a national hero after giving Britain its first Tour de France title in July. Wiggins is widely expected to be knighted by the end of the year.