Cycling: 'Cav' does a Tour double as Kirchen keeps yellow

TOULOUSE, France (AFP) — Britain's Mark Cavendish reinforced his claim to be the world's fastest man on two wheels by claiming his second stage win on the Tour de France here on Saturday.

Luxembourg's Kim Kirchen, also of the Columbia team, retained the race leader's yellow jersey six seconds ahead of Australian Cadel Evans ahead of Sunday's first day in the high mountains.

After a rain-lashed day of racing out of the Massif Central towards the foot of the Pyrenees Cavendish's team once again proved strongest in the final kilometres of the 172.5km eighth stage which began in Figeac.

Setting up a 'train' to help deliver Cavendish to the finish with as much punch in his legs as possible, the 23-year-old from the Isle of Man repaid their efforts with a victorious drive across the line.

In second place was ...