London, Sep 23 (IANS) Former Tour de France cycling champion Bradley Wiggins sealed the Tour of Britain title here.

Wiggins, who won the Tour de France and Olympic time trial last year, had led the Tour since winning the third stage and started the Sunday's last and eighth stage with a 26-second lead, reports Xinhua.

British road race champion Mark Cavendish won the last stage, his third stage win in this year's race.

The 33-year-old Wiggins negotiated the 10-lap 88km course along the Thames to retain his place at the top of the standings.

"I said I wanted to win it. It is pressure for the whole week," said Wiggins. 

"Until you cross the line you just don't know. It's all right to think it's a bit of a ceremony round London, but it certainly isn't.

"You cross the line, you're pumped up. It's relief that you've finished and fulfilled it for your team and your teammates."