The driver who knocked Tour de France winner Bradley Wiggins off his bike was asked by police "Do you realise who you've hit?".

The female driver, who was unhurt in the incident, caused the Olympic gold medallist suspected broken ribs after she collided with him while emerging from a petrol station on Wednesday.

Garage attendant Yasmin Smith, who came to the cyclist's aid, is quoted by the Daily Star as saying: "I didn't realise who he was. I just went over to help.

"The driver was very upset, even more upset when the police said: 'Do you realise who you've hit?' That really put her back because obviously she felt bad enough."

Wiggins was released from hospital yesterday and made his presence known to photographers by giving them the middle finger as he was driven away.