Wiggins edges closer to title

Sir Bradley Wiggins finished fifth on the testing sixth stage of the Tour of California to increase his lead by an extra two seconds at the top of the general classification.

Colombian Johan Esteban Chaves attacked on the final climb to claim the stage ahead of David De La Cruz Melgarejo of Spain and American Tom Danielson, with British duo Adam Yates and Wiggins finishing fourth and fifth.

Wiggins' efforts enabled him to stretch his lead at the top of the standings to 30 seconds over nearest rival Rohan Dennis, having escaped from the Australian in the final metres of the 156.1-kilometre ride from Santa Clarita to the Mountain High summit finish.

With only two stages remaining, the 2012 Tour de France winner is now within touching distance of claiming the title.