Mark Cavendish won yesterday's sprint at Gueugnon comfortably – a good couple of bike lengths ahead of Tyler Farrar and Alessandro Petacchi. With points leader Thor Hushvod finishing only 10th Mark made up vital ground on Hushvod giving himself a fighting but difficult chance to challenge for the Green Jersey. Once again Mark Renshaw delivered Mark to the perfect spot for him to launch his sprint – brilliant riding. Cavendish wins, in part, through his explosive sprint but the organisation of his Columbia team is crucial, which Mark readily and frequently acknowledges.
Yesterday's victory takes Cavendish's total of Tour de France stage wins to a remarkable 12 putting him equal with Mario Cipolllini, Erik Zabel (who now advises Mark) and Robbie McEwen, still riding the Tour at 38 and getting 4th place yesterday. Both Cipollini and Zabel amassed their 12 victories over six editions of the Tour, while Mark has reached 12 in only three tours, although he has ridden in four editions. As the Tour still has several sprint stages to come, there is is a good chance that Cavendish will notch up another victory. This would take him past the great Spanish champion, Big Mig.
12: Gino Bartali (It)
12: Mark Cavendish (UK)
12: Mario Cipollini (It)
12: Miguel Indurain (Esp)
12: Robbie McEwen (Aus)
12: Erik Zabel (GER)
After the end of today's stage I'll post a revised list of stage winners.
Those on 12 stage victories:
12: Mark Cavendish (UK)
12: Mario Cipollini (It)
12: Miguel Indurain (Esp)
12: Robbie McEwen (Aus)
12: Erik Zabel (GER)
After the end of today's stage I'll post a revised list of stage winners.
The attractively rural Brionnais fairly close to yesterday's finish
