The Queen has sent her "warmest congratulations" to Bradley Wiggins after his Tour de France success.

Her Majesty praised his historic achievement of becoming the first Briton to win the cycling's most prestigious event.

In her message, sent on Monday when the rider returned to the UK and released on Tuesday, the Queen said: "I send you my warmest congratulations on becoming the first British cyclist ever to win the Tour de France.

"Your historic achievement of claiming overall victory in this prestigious event is a great testament to the efforts of you and your team-mates."

Wiggins's attention has now turned to the men's Olympic road race which starts and finishes in The Mall in London on Saturday, and will pass Buckingham Palace.

The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall will watch the riders set off.