Wiggins becomes Britain's first Tour de France winner

By Julien Pretot

PARIS (Reuters) - Bradley Wiggins was greeted by thousands of Union Jack-waving fans on the Champs Elysees when he claimed the 99th edition of the Tour de France to become the first British winner of the famous race on Sunday.

Wiggins finished safe in the bunch on the 20th and last stage, a 120-km ride from Rambouillet, as he helped his Sky team mate and fellow Briton Mark Cavendish to victory.

"What a finish, that was something, Mark won the stage after we led him out in the finale. Wonderful, wonderful," Wiggins told reporters.

"Mark remains unbeaten on the Champs Elysees, that was the plan this morning.

Asked about making history, Wiggins added: "I've got to start getting used to that now which is strange. It's mission complete."

Next year, pure climbers Alberto Contador and Andy Schleck are expected to return to the race after a doping suspension and injury respectively.

A potentially hillier route next July could also threaten Wiggins' domination, as could Team Sky rival Chris Froome who finished second this year.

Cavendish, who has now surpassed Andre Darrigade and Lance Armstrong with his 23 Tour stage wins, has won all four sprints he has contested on the landmark avenue.