BRADLEY WIGGINS CONTINUED his preparations for next month’s Tour de France in style as the 31-year-old Briton (Team Sky) claimed overall victory following the final stage of this year’s Critérium du Dauphiné.

Today’s race into La Toussuire was won by Joaquim Rodriguez of Spain, his second stage in as many days, with long-time race leader Wiggins finishing 10 seconds back in 10th place.

With his nearest rivals in the general classification standings, Cadel Evans and Alexandre Vinokourov, finishing with the same time, the podium positions remained unchanged and Wiggins held onto the yellow jersey by a margin of 1’26″.

“I don’t think that I’ve hit form too early before the Tour de France,” a delighted Wiggins said afterwards. “You can see that I wasn’t at my best for the last climb. But once we got to the last climb, I didn’t panic.”

I’m still in a period of training. Winning the Tour de France against Andy Schleck and Contador is a big call. The top 10 has always been the goal, but now with the confidence I’ve got from the Dauphiné, the top 6 is the goal.

Ireland’s sole remaining competitor, Daniel Martin (Team Garmin-Cervelo), finished today’s final stage in 38th place, leaving him in 33rd position overall.

Tour de France hopeful Nicolas Roche abandoned his race following a nasty crash during Friday’s fifth stage, though his injuries do not appear to be so serious as to hinder his preparation for the Tour de France which begins on 2 July.