TOUR DE FRANCE: Wiggins ready for the decisive challenge of the Pyrenees

Posted: Monday 16th July 2012 | 20:51

BRADLEY Wiggins edged one day closer to Paris and British sporting history as he retained his leader's yellow jersey at the Tour de France.

Pierrick Fedrigo won the 15th stage as a six-man breakaway was allowed to dominate the 158.5 kilometre stage from Samatan.

Nearly 12 minutes later the peloton crossed the line, with the general classification unchanged - Wiggins still leading Team Sky colleague Chris Froome by just over two minutes, with Vincenzo Nibali and defending champion Cadel Evans a few more seconds back.

The riders will now enjoy a rest day before the challenge of the Pyrenees, which will prove decisive to this year's race.

"I always think if you start looking too far ahead you forget what's in front of you," said Wiggins.

"And it doesn't seem so vast, from the start back in Liege. I'll have a good look tomorrow night at the stage on Wednesday and there's no real point looking at Thursday until Wednesday's done.

"There are gaps in the GC of course, and yes we are in a great position, but even the time-trial on Saturday could see gaps.

"The last time-trial of the Tour is not the same as the one in the first week. You're tired and it's not easy to put in the same amount of effort as in the first week."