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Norwegian sprinter Thor Hushovd took command of the Tour de France green jersey on Saturday from Britain’s Mark Cavendish after an impressive ride in the mountains.

Having won the previous day’s stage from Barcelona to Andorra, the Norwegian began the second of three stages in the Pyrenees one point shy of the Isle of Man rider, who won stages two and three last week.

And the 31-year-old Norwegian, who won the green jersey in 2005, showed his ambition by winning two of the day’s three intermediate sprints to pick up 12 points and take the green shirt from Cavendish, who has held the shirt since last Sunday’s second stage from Monaco to Brignoles.

There are three sprint sections on the ninth stage from Saint Gaudens to Tarbes although Cavendish, who struggles over the climbs, may decide not to challenge.

Photo by:CorVos Pro