Historic Tour victory for Wiggins
Bradley Wiggins has become the first Briton to win the Tour de France
Bradley Wiggins has become the first British Tour de France champion - and celebrated his success by leading Mark Cavendish to victory in Paris.
Wiggins completed his 13th day in the yellow jersey and the 99th Tour in first place, three minutes 21 seconds ahead of Team Sky colleague Chris Froome, who became the second Briton, after his team-mate, on the podium in the history of the race.
Not content with his personal success, Wiggins played an integral role as world champion Cavendish won the 120-kilometre 20th stage from Rambouillet, sealing victory on the Champs-Elysees for a fourth consecutive year.
It was the seventh British stage success of the 2012 Tour, with Cavendish finishing with three wins, Wiggins with two, Froome with one and David Millar (Garmin-Sharp) one.
All four Britons, together with Ian Stannard, are due to combine on Saturday in a bid to help Cavendish win Olympic gold in the 250km road race on the opening day of London 2012.
Cavendish has won on the French capital's most famous boulevard in each of the Tours he has completed - in 2009, 2010, 2011 and now in 2012. The 27-year-old from the Isle of Man, who also won stages two and 18, now has 23 Tour stage wins, moving above Lance Armstrong and Andre Darrigade into fourth place in the all-time list.
It was a remarkable effort for the Manxman, who spent much of the Tour in the service of Wiggins. Wiggins repaid the favour, taking to the front with 1.1km remaining, with Edvald Boasson Hagen assuming the lead 600 metres out.
Cavendish came to the front in the rainbow jersey 400 metres from the line and powered to a supreme victory. Peter Sagan (Liquigas-Cannondale) was second, with Matt Goss (Orica-GreenEdge) third.
WHAT A PLEASANT CHANGE: In a world dominated by the ego-tistical, greedy & tawdry antics of over-paid & rated louts in the "National Game", here rises a genuine, humble, charismatic & dedicated sportsman who richly deserves what he has achieved today together with the accolade & status which will follow.
"Wiggo" too will no doubt resurrect a huge interest in "The Mod" phenonemon, the coolest image of all. Standby for a rush for "Weller" haircuts, Fred Perry clobber & demand for "decent" music.
Full credit to the guy, a legend who EVEN won over the Anglo-phobic French!
Well done Bradley you are a worthy champion.
Many of the past winners were on drugs . It is nice to have a clean winner in cycling
Well done Chris Froome for second place Keep injury free and you could win it in due course
THIS RANKS AS THE BEST SPORTS RESULT EVER BY A BRITISH DUO
I JUST HOPE THAT THE BRITISH PUBLIC WILL REALISE THIS. WITH THE MAJORITY TOO
LAZY TO GET OFF THEIR BACKSIDES THEY CANNNOT COMPREHEND THE EFFORT,DEDICATION AND TALENT TO WIN THE HARDEST ENDURANCE EVENT IN THE WORLD
For all you premier division wimpy footballers out there this is a true champion
Shame Lesley Garret spoilt the moment with he wailing of the national anthem :(:( ha ha.
Cyclists,men and women,,,,don`t forget our girls in the Olympics,,,,are true sports people,hard working and dedicated,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,maybe some of the over paid so called "Sportsmen " kicking a ball about on a Saturday afternoon should take heed,and stop crying when they break a nail,or get mud on them !!!!!
"Get a job,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,Get a bike "
