The three-time Olympic champion had been one of the favourites for the 8.4 kilometres event and he delivered in stunning style on Team Sky's Grand Tour debut.

He was a second ahead at the intermediate time check and stopped the clock in 10min 18sec, two seconds clear of his rivals.

BMC Racing pair Brent Bookwalter and world champion Cadel Evans filled second and third but the day belonged to Wiggins.

His victory meant he becomes only the second Briton to wear the leader's maglia rosa.

On a landmark day for Team Sky there was also a superb ride from sprinter Greg Henderson who finished fifth, five seconds behind, while Dario Cioni underlined his good form by coming home in 15th.

Wiggins said: "I was in my own world - that's how I always do these things.

"I was oblivious to anyone else and just did my own race. It was hard but I just went for it, especially in the corners.
 
"If you want to win it, you've got to commit 100 per cent, like a sprinter when they go for a sprint.

"I knew I had a good chance.

"I thought, 'Let me go out and do what Bradley Wiggins can do.'

"For me it's beautiful to wear the pink jersey. It's one of the most special jerseys.

"To wear this is a big honour."