British pair hail Tour achievements - Sport in brief - Evening Standard
       

British pair hail Tour achievements

British duo Mark Cavendish and Bradley Wiggins were able to celebrate on Sunday night after completing a gruelling three weeks in the Tour de France.

Cavendish prevailed in the 21st and final stage by scorching to victory on the cobbled streets of Paris' Champs-Elysees. It was the Manxman's sixth stage victory in this year's Tour - and the 10th of his career - and although he failed to take the green jersey off Thor Hushovd, he comfortably demonstrated he is the fastest man in cycling.

"It's been an amazing Tour for British cycling," said Cavendish.

Wiggins, meanwhile, secured fourth place in the general classification after coming home in the peloton on . It matches the best finish by a Briton, equalling Robert Millar's exploits in 1984.

Cavendish added: "Bradley did an incredible job. He's been consistent throughout, even though it's his first time he's really contended the GC, and I'm really proud of him.

"And every sprinter dreams of putting their hands up in the air as they cross that line, seeing the Arc de Triomphe in the foreground, and it's an amazing feeling to do so. It didn't disappoint me at all.

"We can both go home with our heads held high."

Wiggins added: "I really didn't expect to be in this position this year.

"I thought I could get in the top 20. But to finish fourth changes everything for the future now.

"I do realise what I've achieved."

Sport in brief in Pictures

Don't Miss
Gala night for the Queen of arts - stars turn out in their hundreds to pay tribute

Happy & glorious

Stars turn out in their hundreds to pay tribute to Queen
Prints charming: patterned trousers for summer

Prints charming

Patterned trousers for summer
Promethipedia: the lowdown on Ridley Scott's new blockbuster Prometheus

Promethipedia

The lowdown on Ridley Scott's new blockbuster Prometheus
The Middletan: Kate Middleton has the most requested tan in London

The Middletan

Kate Middleton has the most requested tan in London
Amy Childs bares all like Britney

Dare to bare

Amy Childs vajazzles like Britney
Thais go Gaga: singer’s ‘fake rolex’ tweet sparks new tour row... but fans still mob her at airport

Thais go Gaga

Singer mobbed at airport
Trip the bright fantastic - in vertiginous neon

Fashion

Trip the bright fantastic - in vertiginous neon
Chelsea Champions League celebrations - in pictures

Victory parade

Chelsea Champions League celebrations
High-flying heroes

High flying heroes

David Oyelowo reveals all about new film Red Tails
The Twitter Diaries: Think Bridget Jones tries social networking

The Twitter Diaries

Think Bridget Jones tries social networking