The 29-year-old Briton put on a remarkable performance to finish alongside reigning champion Carlos Sastre in yesterday's 15th stage.

Wiggins is now 1min 46sec behind leader Alberto Contador but said: "There's a long way to go. Let's not get too excited. That's one day. Tomorrow's another day. Tomorrow I could be last in the Tour - who knows?"

The race resumes tomorrow with Contador the overwhelming favourite after a devastating break in the final three miles to the Swiss ski resort of Verbier which left him 1min 37sec ahead of Astana team-mate Lance Armstrong.

The seven-time champion had no reply to the Spaniard's onslaught and now seems set to play a supporting role to the 2007 Tour winner.

"I think the differences are now pretty big so I think it's clear the team should now support me and ride for me," said Contador, who has been involved in a power struggle with the American for team leadership.

"I don't think the Tour is over because the hardest stages are yet to come.

"I'm obviously delighted to take the yellow jersey this afternoon but it's more important that I dropped the other riders, not Lance Armstrong in particular. I grew up with Armstrong as a model and it's an honour to know that he will ride for me."

Armstrong admitted: "I'm no fool. Alberto showed that he's the best. I've been in that position and when you show you're the best the only thing that the others can do is respect that and honour that."