Bradley Wiggins signs up for controversial Channel 4 show The Jump

Numerous contestants were hospitalised during last year's series

Wiggins is Britain's most decorated Olympian with seven medals (Getty)

Less than a week after publicly announcing his retirement from cycling with immediate effect, Sir Bradley Wiggins has joined the cast of infamous Channel 4 series of The Jump.

"Skiing is a big passion of mine, it was a mix of that and the other committed names this year that made me want to sign up," he said.

Other athletes who have joined the upcoming series include Robbie Fowler, Jason Robinson, Jade Jones, Louis Smith and Gareth Thomas.

Wiggins continued: "From Jason Robinson and Robbie Fowler to Olympians Louis Smith and Jade Jones, these guys have excelled in the sporting arena and I have a lot of respect for them, they will be so competitive.

"Major retiring Olympians such as Sir Steve Redgrave have also trod this path, I see this as a sporting challenge and want to go out there and win it. Just don't call me a celebrity.”

Wiggins is perhaps the most highly decorated contestant to eve take part on the show, having won eight Olympic medals, been knighted, and became the first British winner of the Tour de France.

Last year, numerous contestants seriously injured themselves while taking part in The Jump, including Beth Tweddle, Rebecca Adlington and Tina Hobley, all of who were hospitalised.

Meanwhile, celebrities taking part include The X Factor's Jake Quickenden, Made in Chelsea's Spencer Matthews and The Only Way Is Essex’s Lydia Bright.

A return date for The Jump has yet to be announced.