Britain's Mark Cavendish of HTC-Highroad claimed his 16th career win in the Tour de France when he powered to victory in the race's fifth stage yesterday.

Norwegian Thor Hushovd, of the Garmin-Cervelo team, kept the race leader's yellow jersey after the 164.5km ride from Carhaix to Cap Frehel.

Cavendish, who claimed 15 stage wins over the previous three Tours, came into the 98th edition knowing there would be few chances to sprint to victory in the race.

However, his HTC-Highroad team defied the difficult conditions on the coast road leading to Cap Frehel before successfully chasing down a late attack launched by French pair Thomas Voeckler and Jeremy Roy.