**Alberto Contador earned his second Tour de France victory after seeing out the 21st and final stage, won in stunning style by Britain’s Mark Cavendish.**Spaniard Contador held off Luxembourg’s Andy Schleck with American Lance Armstrong edging out Bradley Wiggins.
Wiggins also equalled the best Tour finish by a Briton with his fourth place matching Robert Millar in 1984.
Cavendish claimed his sixth stage win and became the first Briton to win on the Champs Elysees in Paris.
The 24-year-old admitted after Sunday’s final stage that winning in Paris was a dream come true while also targeting the sprinter’s green jersey next year.
Norway’s Thor Hushovd earned that achievement and after claiming six stage victories, Cavendish is confident he can compete for that honour in 2010.
“I’ve always wanted to win on the Champs Elysees and the feeling doesn’t disappoint,” said Cavendish.
"To cross the line here in Paris with your hands raised at the front of the pack is every sprinter’s dream and I wanted it so bad.
“I’m happy with six stages, but next year I’ll be fitter and stronger and hopefully the green jersey will come with that.”
Italy’s Franco Pellizotti won the polka dot jersey for the best climber while Contador’s victory kept the Spanish flag flying high on the Champs Elysees as it followed triumphs for Oscar Pereiro in 2006, himself in 2007 and Carlos Sastre last year.
Contador, 26, proved the strongest rider in the mountains and in the time trials, beating Schleck by four minutes 11 seconds with seven-times champion Armstrong 5:24 off the pace.
More to follow.