Lance retains yellow as McEwen takes stage

ROBBIE McEWEN of Australia won today’s fifth stage of the Tour de France in a sprint finish.

McEwen, riding for the Davitamon-Lotto team, timed his sprint to perfection to pip Tom Boonen on the line, denying the Belgian what would have been his third stage win of the 2005 Tour.

Boonen had to settle for second while third place went to Norway's Thor Hushovd after a 183km ride from Chambord to Montargis.