BRADLEY'S ON THE UP; TOUR DE FRANCE.

BRADLEY WIGGINS refused to get carried away after a remarkable final climb in the 15th stage propelled the track specialist to third overall in the Tour de France yesterday.

The Briton, who won two gold medals in pursuit events at last year's Beijing Olympics, proved he was able to keep up with the favourites in the mountains.

He even attacked Lance Armstrong's chasing pack with three kilometres to go as Spain's Alberto Contador was surging to victory and the yellow jersey in the Swiss ski resort of Verbier.

"It's really fantastic, I don't know what to say," said Wiggins, his face a mask of pain seconds after crossing the finish line.

"I'm in great shape, I just keep thinking that. I kept that in my mind. But there's a long way to go. Let's not get too excited.

"That's one day. Tomorrow's another. Tomorrow I could be last in the Tour de France, who knows?" Wiggins, who has shed seven kilos since his last Tour de France in 2007, added: "I keep going day by day. I never think too far ahead. I've trained for this mentally and physically."

His Garmin-Slipstream manager Jonathan Vaughters said recuperation would be key as the peloton enjoys a day off before two more stages in the Alps. "He has never done this before. He is going to have to learn how to regulate his body," said Vaughters.

Following Monday's rest, Wiggins, who trails Contador by 1:46secs, will have to tackle the gruelling 24.4-km ascent to the Col du Grand St Bernard.

But even Armstrong concedes Contador is now favourite. "Now you know who's the best rider in the world and the best rider in the race," he said.

CAPTION(S):

IMPRESSIVE Wiggins (left) has powered his way to third overall