Mark Cavendish accused his rivals of “riding like juniors” after he won his second successive stage of the Tour de France.

The Manx rider, who became the first Briton to retain the leading sprinter's green jersey, was part of a breakaway group that finished 41 seconds ahead of the peloton.

“When we hit the front it was great timing,” said the 24-year-old. “We were riding for the win and we won.

“The others were all trying to save themselves for the team time trial. We were the only sprint team willing to take responsibility. All the other teams are riding like they're juniors and if they want to behave that way then they get results like juniors.”

One rider who wasn't caught out was seven-times Tour winner Lance Armstrong, who finished in the leading group and moved up to third overall. “It was good positioning, experience and a bit of luck,” he said.

However, the American's Astana lead rider Alberto Contador missed the break, throwing further doubts over his position at the head of the team.

Race leader Fabio Cancellara was also in the first group home and remains in the yellow jersey for today's team time trial in Montpellier.