The 32-year-old Londoner, winner of Paris-Nice, the Tour de Romandie and Criterium du Dauphine in an impressive build-up to cycling's biggest event, was the 11th last rider to head out on the 6.4 kilometres course.

The Team Sky's target time at that point was the 7min 20sec set by France's Sylvain Chavanel, representing Omega Pharma-QuickStep,but at the halfway stage he was six seconds adrift.

However, a superb second phase saw the three-time Olympic champion cross the line 0.42 in front to lay down a benchmark to the final 10 starters, including Australia's reigning champion Cadel Evans, from BMC Racing.


But it was Olympic time trial champion Cancellara (pictured) who maintained his outstanding record of having never been beaten in a Tour de France prologue.

He set a new fastest time at the intermediate check and he kept up the momentum to cross the line in 7:13.46, fully seven seconds in front of Wiggins and the rest, to claim the first leader's yellow jersey of the race.

It was the fourth time Cancellara has won a Tour prologue, following successes in 2004, 2007 and 2010, plus his time-trial win in Monaco in 2009.

"Every victory is important but today was a special one," said Cancellara afterwards.

"After a hard period in April and a hard comeback I have done what I had to do today.

"That's my job.

"I felt good and I was motivated.

"This is a victory that I will not forget for a long time.

"I am enjoying what I am doing and that is why I could really put everything on the road today."

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