Tour de France facts: Mark Cavendish wins sixth stage

Friday’s stage: A mainly flat 141.4-mile run from Montargis to Gueugnon that again favored sprinters.

Winner: Britain’s Mark Cavendish clinched the 12th stage Tour win of his career, and second in two days. U.S. rider Tyler Farrar was second and veteran Alessandro Petacchi of Italy was third.

Yellow jersey: Fabian Cancellara of Switzerland, who finished in the main pack. Defending champion Alberto Contador of Spain stayed in ninth, 1:40 back, and seven-time champion Lance Armstrong remained 18th, 2:30 back.

Quote of the day: “I’m speaking better today because I was pretty emotional yesterday” — Cavendish on how he kept his composure after breaking down in tears after his victory the day before.

Saturday’s stage: The seventh stage is a 102.8-mile trek from Tournus to Station des Rousses that has six low- to mid-grade climbs in the Jura mountains.

SIXTH STAGE

1. Mark Cavendish, Britain, Team HTC-Columbia, 5 hours 37 minutes 42 seconds.

2. Tyler Farrar, United States, Garmin-Transitions, same time.

3. Alessandro Petacchi, Italy, Lampre-Farnese, same time.

4. Robbie McEwen, Australia, Katusha Team, same time.

5. Gerald Ciolek, Germany, Team Milram, same time.

OVERALL STANDINGS

1. Fabian Cancellara, Switzerland, Team Saxo Bank, 28 hours 37 minutes 30 seconds.

2. Geraint Thomas, Britain, Sky Pro Cycling, 20 seconds behind.

3. Cadel Evans, Australia, BMC Racing Team, :39.

4. Ryder Hesjedel, Canada, Garmin-Transitions, :46.

5. Sylvain Chavanel, France, Quick Step, 1:01.