Sunday, July 22, 2012

U.K.'s Wiggins wins Tour de France

Bradley Wiggins of Britain, wearing the overall leader's yellow jersey, is followed by teammate Mark Cavendish of Britain, in rainbow jersey, as they pass the Arc de Triomphe during the 20th stage of the the Tour de France cycling race nearly 75 miles, with start in Rambouillet and finish in Paris, France, Sunday July 22, 2012. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)

(AP) PARIS - Bradley Wiggins has become the first Briton to win the Tour de France, after safely protecting the yellow jersey during Sunday's final processional ride into Paris.

He even helped Sky teammate Mark Cavendish earn his fourth straight sprint victory on the Champs-Elysees.

Wiggins secured his win with a dominating performance in Saturday's final time trial to extend his already commanding lead.

Fellow Briton and Sky teammate Christopher Froome finished second, 3 minutes, 21 seconds behind overall. Vincenzo Nibali of Italy finished third, 6:19 off the pace.

The last time two riders from the same nation finished first and second in the Tour was in 1984, when Frenchman Laurent Fignon defeated Bernard Hinault.

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