MONTARGIS, France, July 8 (UPI) -- Mark Cavendish's strong charge over the final 250 yards allowed him to win Thursday's stage at the Tour de France.
It was the 11th overall stage victory for Cavendish but his first this year after what he called an "error" during Wednesday's stage.
He timed his final kick just right Thursday, however, pulling away from a crowd and holding off a challenge by Gerald Ciolek and Edvald Boasson Hagen, who finished second and third, respectively, in the stage.
Cavendish covered the 112.5-mile route from Epernay to Montargis in 4 hours, 30 minutes, 50 seconds. A total of 148 riders in the field of 188 were given the same finishing time.
That also left the top of the overall standings unchanged with Fabian Cancellara still wearing the leader's yellow jersey. He owns a 23-second lead over Geraint Thomas with Cadel Evans in third 39 seconds back and Ryder Hesjedal, 46 seconds off the pace, in fourth.
Friday's sixth leg of the 20-stage 2010 Tour de France is the longest of the race. It covers 136.5 miles from Montargis southeast to Gueugnon. The route includes four Category 4 climbs, including one about 14 miles from the end of the run.
