Friday's stage: The 18th stage took the riders on a 123-mile virtually flat ride from Salies-de-Bearn to Bordeaux.
Winner: Mark Cavendish of Britain took his fourth win of this year's race, beating his rivals in a bunch sprint in a time of 4 hours 37 minutes 9 seconds. Julian Dean of New Zealand was second, and Alessandro Petacchi of Italy third.
Yellow jersey: Alberto Contador of Spain retains his eight-second lead over Andy Schleck of Luxembourg. Petacchi takes over the green jersey as the points leader in the sprints.
Quote of the day: "C'est la vie" — Thor Hushovd, after losing the green jersey and acknowledging that he won't get it back.
Saturday's stage: Saturday's 19th stage is the final chance for changes at the top of the overall classifications. The 32.3-mile time trial from Bordeaux to Pauillac is likely to suit Contador, who will ride last as the race leader.
FRIDAY'S STAGE
1. Mark Cavendish, Britain, Team HTC-Columbia, 4 hours 37 minutes 9 seconds.
2. Julian Dean, New Zealand, Garmin-Transitions, same time.
3. Alessandro Petacchi, Italy, Lampre-Farnese, same time.
4. Robbie McEwen, Australia, Katusha, same time.
5. Oscar Freire, Spain, Rabobank, same time.
OVERALL STANDINGS
1. Alberto Contador, Spain, Astana, 88 hours 9 minutes 48 seconds.
2. Andy Schleck, Luxembourg, Team Saxo Bank, 8 seconds behind.
3. Samuel Sanchez, Spain, Euskaltel-Euskadi, 3:32.
4. Denis Menchov, Russia, Rabobank, 3:53.
5. Jurgen Van Den Broeck, Belgium, Omega Pharma-Lotto, 5:27.
