Bradley Wiggins was pleased to get a potentially difficult Stage 13 out the way - before wishing the Wigan Warriors luck in their Challenge Cup semi-final against Leeds Rhinos.

The race leader put in another strong performance on the road to Cap d'Agde, reacting to a late attack by Cadel Evans before trying to lead out team-mate Edvald Boasson Hagen for the stage win.

Boasson Hagen eventually finished third, behind stage winner Andre Greipel and Peter Sagan.

Wiggins said: "After the climb it was a lot easier in the sense there weren't so many guys there, but it a day you couldn't really take your eye off the ball, it was another day to keep concentrating and it's another day closer to Paris."

As for the lead out effort, Wiggins added: "Just trying to pay back an absolute gentleman in this race, Edvald. You're making the same effort on the front or on 25th wheel with the gaps opening. Yeah it was nice, a good stage."

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