Mark Cavendish win

Mark Cavendish win

Mark Cavendish win

"This is a bike race, not a gladiator's arena. Everybody could have ended up on their backs."

Petacchi's econd place finish ensured the Italian took the green jersey in the points classification race from Thor Hushovd.

Renshaw's absence is a huge blow for Cavendish's hopes of claiming the green jersey, which is usually won by a sprinter, for the first time in his career when the Tour rolls into Paris a week on Sunday.

Cavendish is fourth in the sprinters' standings with 132 points, 29 behind leader Petacchi, with Hushovd in second and McEwen in third.

Quick Step's Jerome Pineau keeps the polka dot jersey as King of the Mountains.

Saxo Bank's Schleck maintained his 41-second overall race lead over defending champion and good friend Alberto Contador of Astana.

The duo were pictured chatting amiably during the ride through south eastern France. And Schleck, who revealed they had gone on holiday together, said: "It was quiet and we could act like normal people. So we remembered our holidays."

Friday's intriguing stage between Bourg-de-Peage and Mende covers 210.5km including three third-category and two category two climbs with a hilltop finish. (Visit my site and see the latest and most popular Fake Watches designs.)

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