MARK CAVENDISH demolished his rivals to win his fourth stage of this year’s Tour de France as Chris Froome maintained his overall lead.
The Manxman took stage 14 riding for Team Dimension Data, in a sprint finish with Alexander Kristoff and Peter Sagan.
It was Cavendish’s 30th Tour win in total, just four behind the record of five-time winner Eddy Merckx.
Froome finished safely in the peloton on the 208km stage from Montelimar to Villars-les-Dombes Parc des Oiseaux.
He maintained his lead of one minute 47 seconds to keep the yellow jersey as he chases a third crown.
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Cavendish’s win was investigated by organisers after Marcel Kittel complained he had been impeded by the Brit.
But the result stood in what was a fair sprint finish and Cavendish gave a detailed account of events after his superb ride.
He said: “We knew we had to be there when it narrowed. It was about jumping the train at the end.
“I followed Kittel and made sure I stayed there. I saw Quick Step hit out early and knew Kittel would be left out in the front.
“He kicked off a bit but I was way past him – I think he was just frustrated.”
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