Cavendish too strong on stage four

Team Sky rider Mark Cavendish was the fastest man between Carlisle and Blackpool on the fourth stage of the Tour of Britain.

The 'Manx Missile' is now the overall leader after taking over from Australian Leigh Howard following his second-successive stage win. Cavendish outsprinted Howard as well as Steel von Hoff along Blackpool's Golden Mile at the end of a wet 156km route. The stage win gave Cavendish a 10-second bonus and the gold jersey, with Bradley Wiggins putting in a solid stint to set the pace for Team Sky. Stage five of the Tour of Britain on Thursday sees the riders set off on a 147km route which winds its way around Stoke-On-Trent. Cavendish has previously suggested he prioritises stage wins over the general classification as he prepares to defend his world title later in the month.