Sensational Sorensen seizes opportunity

NICKI SORENSEN broke clear late on from a long-time breakaway group of seven riders to win Stage 12 of the Tour de France as sprint king Mark Cavendish spent a well-deserved day in the peloton.

Green jersey holder Cavendish claimed the two previous stages but was happy to kick back yesterday, although he did win a sprint finish in the peloton to come home eighth and extend his lead in the sprinters’ classification over Thor Hushovd.

By that time, Sorensen was lapping up the praise after winning his first stage in the Tour in his 10th year as a professional.