Manx cyclist Mark Cavendish kept to his game plan in the latest stage of the Tour de France.

He finished in the main pack in the 169.5 kilometre 17th stage from Bourg-Saint Maurice to Le Grand-Bomand, which featured a number of steep climbs.

The stage was won by Luxembourg's Frank Schleck and Spain's Alberto Contador extending his overall lead with four stages to go.

Cav is still second in the race for the green jersey, an apparently unassailable 30 points behind Norway's Thor Hushovd.

The Manx rider, who has four stage victories in this year's event, is hoping to make it five when the greatest cycling show on earth reaches the French capital on Sunday.