The British rider for Columbia-HTC now has seven stage victories in his two participations in the Tour de France, including his third win this year Tuesday on Bastille Day in stage 10 from Limoges to Issoudun.
And Cavendish, who won by several bike lengths, will be the favorite again Wednesday in the 11th stage, the second of three straight sprint stages.
The route will take riders 192 kilometers (119.2 miles) from Vatan to Saint-Fargeau. As a sprinter's stage it's unlikely they'll be any significant changes in the overall standings.
The starting and finishing cities in stage 11 are new to the Tour de France and both are small villages, respectively with populations of 2,00 and 1,800. Saint-Fargeau, in fact, is the smallest city of this year's race.
Vatan's name translates into “scram,” and that makes the city perfect as host of an unusual business conference. Last year, representatives from various cities gathered in Vatan to discuss their respective cities' unique names. Some of the cities participating included Arnac-la-Poste (Cheat the Post Office) and Trecon (Very Stupid).
The 11th stage has numerous small hills throughout the course, including two category 4 efforts, the least difficult. But as in other sprint stages, the climbs and multiple undulations are unlikely to prevent sprinters from finding their places near the front at the end of the stage.
In addition to Cavendish, the regular sprinters' cast will likely be present: Heinrich Haussler (Cervelo Test Team) of Germany, Thor Hushovd (Cervelo Test Team) of Norway, Daniele Bennati (Liquigas) of Italy and American Tyler Farrar of Wenatchee, Wa.
Farrar finished third in stage 10 and now has a second, third and fourth in sprint stages.
His second place in stage 2 from Monaco to Brignoles on July 5 was his 10th runner-up finish of the season. Farrar also has three wins.
“This season has been a little interesting since I have had so many seconds,” said Farrar. “We were just talking about it and I had to add it up. I have the three victories, too . . .
“But it gets a little frustrating after a while. At first, it's 'Yeah, I got second, I'm right there.' But when it's always second, always second and always second, I'm thinking 'Come on, it's gotta be any day now.' ”
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