The 31-year-old becomes the first Briton to win back-to-back titles.
Two-time omnium world champion can frustrate former teammate by winning a maiden Olympic gold.
2015 champion holds a lead of more than four minutes heading into final stage.
Defending champion skidded into trouble with just over 10m of the race left.
Team Sky favourite now leads Bauke Mollema by three minutes and 52 seconds with just three stages left.
Dominant Briton gained more time on his rivals and now sits two minutes and 27 seconds clear of Bauke Mollema.
31-year-old fears fatigue will have detrimental effect on his Olympic hopes
Green Jersey holder emerged victorious from a chaotic bunch sprint to the line in Bern, Switzerland.
Meares won gold in Athens in 2004 and in London in 2012.
Colombian rider collects his first Grand Tour victory by outsprinting Rafal Majka.
Cavendish claims fourth stage victory of 2016 edition to go second in race for green jersey.
Two-time winner now sits one minute and 47 seconds clear of Bauke Mollema in the general classification.
All you need to know ahead of cycling competition at 2016 Rio Olympic Games.
84 killed after lorry ploughed into crowds celebrating Bastille Day
Defending champion loses his lead after three-bike pile-up.
Froome picks up six second bonus after second place finish and holds overall lead.
The Australian Orica-BikeExchange rider reignites green jersey bid with stunning win.
IBTimes UK looks at the best pictures from this year's Tour de France.
Team Sky's Chris Froome retains the yellow jersey after a tough five-climb toil from Spain to Andorra.
Team Sky's defending champion executed a stunning downhill attack in the Pyrenees.