TdF Stage 5: Cholet - Châteauroux (232km)

This is a moment young Mark Cavendish has been waiting for his entire career, a moment when he could throw his arms up upon crossing the line first in a race in the Tour de France, the biggest cycle race in the world. It happened today when Mark’s Columbia team, also taking their first Tour win in their first Tour, reeled in a break of three that had been up the road for most of the day. Mark went for the line and beat out such legendary sprinters as Oscar Freire, Erik Zabel and Thor Hushovd.

The entire field came in together meaning an insignificent day to the overall standings, however be a day to remember for the rest of Mark’s life.

“It’s the biggest thing that’s happened to me,” Cavendish said of his victory. “To win a stage of the Tour is a massive thing. I came here with the intention of winning one. It just means so, so much to me.”

At 23-years of age, this is likely the first of many Tour stage wins, dont rule out another before the end in Paris.

Tomorrow the race progresses South towards the Pyrenees with a hill top finish. It isn’t quite the mountains, the climb is only a 1500m, category four hill, but it should spoil the fun for the big sprinters and give another chance for Valverde or a similar contender to jump out of the pack like in stage 1 to get a result and maybe grab some time back on GC.

Cavendish claims thrilling stage win [Guardian]
Mad Dash [ESPN.com]
Brit Cavendish wins Stage 5 [Eurosport]
Cavendish Claims Maiden Stage Win [BBC.co.uk]

Category: Pro Road Racing » Mark Cavandish, Tour de France |

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