Mark Cavendish is now 8/1 with Paddy Power to win the Tour de France points classification after he claimed victory on the fifth stage on Thursday.

The 25-year-old HTC-Columbia sprinter recorded his 11th Tour win in three seasons, having twice in the 97th edition of cycling's most prestigious race failed to deliver.

Cavendish, who had been favourite for the green jersey before the Tour began, bounced back from Sunday's crash and Wednesday's 12th-placed finish with a success on the 187.5-kilometres stage from Epernay to Montargis, with Gerald Ciolek (Team Milram) second and Team Sky's Edvald Boasson Hagen third for a second straight day.

Points classification leader Thor Hushovd remains hot favourite at 4/9 having finished fifth in the stage to retain the green jersey.

Meanwhile Alberto Contador, who is ninth in the overall standings, is a best priced 8/15 with Sky Bet to emerge the overall Tour de France winner, while Andy Schleck is 5/1, Cadel Evans 9/1, Lance Armstrong 10/1 and Bradley Wiggins 16s.