Mark Cavendish admits that his “big objective” is to win the final stage of the Tour de France on the Champs-Elysees in Paris.

The Manx sprinter claimed his third stage of this year's Tour yesterday and now needs just one more win to equal Barry Hoban's British record of eight victories in the event.

"I will try," said Cavendish, when asked if he was targeting today's stage.

"There are four more opportunities for bunch sprints, three more this week and I'll keep on going for the wins. My big objective is to win on the Champs- Elysees in Paris on the last day."

While it took eight years for Hoban to reach his tally - the last at the age of 35, in 1975 - 24-year-old Cavendish has already won seven in only two years.

Cavendish's main rival in the points category, Norway's Thor Hushovd, finished second yesterday and keeps the green jersey. Race leader Rinaldo Nocentini, of Italy, retained the leader's yellow jersey with Spain's Alberto Contador in second and American Lance Armstrong still third.

Britain's Bradley Wiggins dropped back to seventh after getting caught up behind a crash in the closing sprint.