Cadel Evans has become the first Australian winner of the Tour de France after completing the traditional final stage along the Champs Elysee in Paris.

The 2009 road world champion, who has twice been the runner up in the historic grand tour, wore the yellow jersey for the final two stages after posting the second fastest time in the penultimate stage in Grenoble, a 42.5 kilometre individual time trial where Evans snatched the lead from Andy Schleck (Leopard-Trek) and amassed a 1:34 leading margin heading into the final state.

The 95 kilometre final stage to Paris is traditionally contested by the sprinters and for Evans and the dedicated BMC team mates and staff who have surrounded and supported him during the Tour, it was a celebration ride onto the Champs Élysées. The stage was won by HTC-HighRoad's Mark Cavendish.

In 2002 Evans became the first Australian to lead the Giro d'Italia and in 2009 was crowned road world champion in Switzerland but a win in a grand tour has proved illusive. Twice in the past he has had victory in the Tour de France within sight but in the penultimate stage time trials been beaten by Spanish riders with Alberto Contador claiming the honours in 2007 and Carlos Sastre too strong in 2008. Last year Evans briefly held the race lead but a cracked elbow put paid to his hopes of victory.

But 30 years after Phil Anderson became the first Australian to wear the leader's yellow jersey in the Tour de France, Cadel Evans claimed the 'holy grail' of road cycling and was crowned the winner of the Tour de France.

"What can I say? I've been dreaming of winning the Tour de France for the past 20 years, ever since I was a 14-year-old," said Evans.

"It's been years of hard work and there were a lot of moments in these three weeks where our Tour was lost but to get here safely with all my skin... just that alone is a quest in itself," said Evans.

"But to be here wearing the yellow jersey, for my team, my country, a group of people around me, it leaves me a little lost for words."

"I think thats the ultimate dream of a Tour rider, to stand on the Champs-Elysees with an Australian singing the national anthem, it's not a dream that comes true for many Australians.

"This win is for everyone in our country. Its amazing."