Norwegian Edvald Boasson Hagen sealed overall victory in the Tour of Britain after Italian Barloworld rider Michele Merlo won the final stage in London.

The Team Columbia rider, who won four stages, came home in the peloton to win by 23 seconds from Australian Chris Sutton with German Martin Reimer third.

Russell Downing, who came sixth in the final sprint, was Britain's highest-placed finisher in fifth spot overall.

Fellow Brit Geraint Thomas finished one place further back in sixth.

Boasson Hagen's consistency also saw him take the points jersey as he claimed only his overall victory in a stage race.

"It's really good to win this race after all the hard work by the team," he said. "I'm really happy for me and for them.