Bradley Wiggins' laid-back approach to challenging for the Tour de France yellow jersey paid off again on Tuesday when he came through the tough 16th stage in the Alps unscathed.

Wiggins, who rides for the American team Garmin, has been impressing rivals and fans alike by remaining in contention for the race's yellow jersey despite only recently showing his potential as a serious racer on major Tours.

After the 16th stage, which included 48km of climbing from the total of 159km, Britain's tripl Olympic pursuit champion remained in third place overall at 1min 46secs behind race leader Alberto Contador of Astana.

Seven-time champion Lance Armstrong is second at 1:37, however, the American was among those left trailing, albeit temporarily, when an attack by Andy Schleck of Saxo Bank split the yellow jersey group.

Wiggins was able to follow the Luxemburger, and finished the stage with the main contenders 59secs behind Spanish stage winner Mikel Astarloza of Euskaltel.

"It was one of the easier Alpine stages, tomorrow's another day really so I'm not getting too carried away," said Wiggins.

"Astana controlled it pretty well for most of the day, then Andy attacked but apart from that there wasn't too much going on.

"If I'm in the same position tomorrow night, that will be fantastic. So we'll just see how it pans out," added Wiggins, who is keen to keep his position ahead of Thursday's individual time trial in Annecy.

First, however, there is the small matter of stage 17.

Its five climbs are shorter in length than the 24km monsters on stage 16, but are steeper. And Wiggins expects the Schleck brothers, Andy and Frank, to be protagonists as they attempt to close the deficit.

"They'll be lively," added Wiggins, who, unlike Frank Schleck on Tuesday, has so far shown no signs of cracking on the climbs.

"When Andy puts it down (attacks) there's only three or four of us that are really there. Frank got dropped today.

"When it gets like that I just try not to get too panicky and too carried away."

Asked what his secret has been so far, Wiggins admits his head - and a positive attitude - is doing as much work as his legs.

"It's the same for everyone, we've all got to get up them (climbs)," he added.

"I keep telling myself that. Even when Andy's attacking full throttle on the climb I try to keep reminding myself I'm not the only one who's hurting or it's hard for.

"When it's like that there's a lot of guys already gone, and it gives you confidence. I don't think tomorrow will be any different really.

"Physically I'm in good shape now so there's no reason to tink I won't get through tomorrow in the same position."

Asked if he, like some of his rivals, had raced stage 17 already Wiggins was his usual, laid-back self: "Other people like to do reconnaissances and all that, it doesn't work for me."