Cavendish is now 11 points behind his Norwegian rival

Manx sprinter Mark Cavendish is still in contention for the Tour de France sprinters' green jersey following his performance in stage nine on Sunday.

The Manxman finished alongside the current leader Norwegian Thor Hushovd, who maintained his 11-point advantage.

The pair finished 25 minutes behind stage-nine winner Pierrick Fedrigo.

Having held the jersey since his stage-two victory, Cavendish finally relinquished his lead after losing 12 points to his rival on Saturday.

Monday will be a rest day for the riders before Tuesday's 194.5 km 10th stage from Limoges to Issoudun.

Overall standings:

1. Rinaldo Nocentini (Ita/AG2R) 34 hours 24 minutes 21 seconds
2. Alberto Contador (Spa/Astana) + 06 secs
3. Lance Armstrong (USA/Astana) + 08 secs
4. Levi Leipheimer (USA/Astana) + 39 secs
5. Bradley Wiggins (GB/Garmin) + 46 secs

135. Mark Cavendish (GB/Team Columbia) + 1 hour 13 mins 54 secs

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