Mark Cavendish times his attack to perfection to win seventh stage of Tour de France
British rider pounces to catch German sprinter Andre Greipel in furious finish; Chris Froome retains the overall race lead
British rider Mark Cavendish won the sun-soaked seventh stage of the Tour de France in a sprint finish on Friday, while countryman Chris Froome retained the overall lead as he bids to win the race for a second time.
This time there was no crash near the finish, like the one on Thursday's sixth stage that cost German rider Tony Martin a broken collarbone, forcing him to withdraw while wearing the race leader's yellow jersey.
I am super happy. Long time since I've won on the Tour de France
Cavendish, seeking his first Tour stage win since 2013 after crashing out of last year's race, timed his attack to perfection to catch German sprinter Andre Greipel near the line to clinch his 26th career Tour stage win.
"I am super happy," Cavendish said. "Long time since I've won on the Tour de France."
Peter Sagan of Slovakia, who is bidding to win the best sprinter's green jersey for the fourth straight year, was third.
It was a fitting win for Cavendish, who is Martin's teammate on the Etixx-Quick Step team.
Sagan, who is not a main Tour contender, is second overall. American rider Tejay Van Garderen, an outsider for the Tour win who has excellent climbing skills, is third, 13 seconds behind Froome.