CHATEL, France — Britain’s Bradley Wiggins cemented his status as a Tour de France favorite Sunday, winning the Criterium du Dauphine race in the French Alps for the second straight year.

The three-time Olympic gold medalist successfully defended his title in the mountainous weeklong race, finishing 1 minute, 17 seconds ahead of Sky teammate Michael Rogers of Australia. Tour de France champion Cadel Evans was third, 1:26 behind Wiggins.

Wiggins said he was “not the favorite, but one of the favorites” for the Tour de France, which begins June 30 in Liege, Belgium.

“It’s a big win,” he said. “Everyone talks a lot about the Tour de France, but winning Paris-Nice and the Criterium du Dauphine in the same year, that’s huge. So whatever happens on the Tour, I can already be satisfied.”

Spain’s Daniel Moreno won the 77-mile seventh stage from Morzine to Chatel after making a late attack on the final climb. Luis Leon Sanchez of Spain and Evans were next.

Wiggins captured the race leader’s yellow jersey in the first stage on June 4 and never relinquished it. He also won one stage along the way — the 33-mile time trial in the fourth stage.

Wiggins crashed out of the 2011 Tour de France. He has won three of this year’s hardest stage races — Paris-Nice, Tour de Romandie and the Dauphine.

2012 Blitz to the Barrel Dash for Cash

What: Men’s and women’s invitational mountain bike race with $20,000 in prizes on the line

When: Tuesday; meet-and-greets start at 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. for women and men, respectively, while races begin at 6 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Where: Meet-and-greets and finish line are at 10 Barrel Brewing Co. on Galveston Avenue in Bend; race course starts at Wanoga Sno-park, goes down Funner and C.O.D. trails, through Tetherow Golf Course and along Skyliners Road into Bend

More info: Search for Blitz to the Barrel Dash for Cash on Facebook