A relaxed Bradley Wiggins spent several minutes outside the Team Sky bus after Tuesday's 16th stage, chatting to British supporters and distributing team caps to young fans.

Wiggins had wanted to get in the day's break, and joined an early move. But as that group was caught, at the foot of the Col du Tourmalet, a counter-attack went, and it proved to be the one that stayed clear to contest the finish.

"I thought today that if I could have a big day out in the mountains I might have a chance to do something," said Wiggins. "I had a go but there were too many guys who were close [to the yellow jersey] on general classification there and it didn't work out for one reason or another.

"At least I got stuck in, and it's not over. I feel that I'm coming round now. As soon as I accepted that I didn't have the form in this Tour that I had last year [in which Wiggins placed fourth] I felt a lot happier.

Stage set for time trial

"I'm looking forward to the time trial now, the way I'm feeling," he continued. "Looking at how everyone is - everyone's on their knees. So I've maybe got a chance of picking up a stage win, and that's what's left for me now."

As for whether he may try again to get into a break on Thursday's next stage, finishing at the summit of the Tourmalet, Wiggins isn't sure. "I don't know whether to persist and finish in 23rd or 24th overall [he actually moved up to 21st on Tuesday] or really put everything into that last time trial now," he said.

"I'll have a chat with Dave [Brailsford] and see. But it was great to be out there today with all the British fans on the roadside, and to try and give them a little something back. The Tourmalet's always special, but it was nice today.

Overwhelmed by support

"It's also nice to come out of the bus and see people. So many people have taken the time to come and support us on this Tour - it's been quite overwhelming for all of us. There have been so many Sky jerseys and banners, and we've been getting some nice messages through the fans' pages. It's been good."

Wiggins added that he is already thinking ahead to next year, and another challenge at the Tour. "This is first year that I've taken on this role of being a team leader and putting myself up there to be shot at, I suppose.

"It's been a huge learning curve this year, and it's been a big season in many respects. Even if it hasn't worked out at this Tour as I'd have liked, it's not the end of the world. We'll just come back next year and try again."