Boonen desperate to challenge Cavendish

SAINT FARGEAU, France: Belgium's Tom Boonen admitted he is desperate to step out of the shadow of rival Mark Cavendish after the Briton continued to dominate the Tour de France bunch sprints on Wednesday.

Cavendish claimed his fourth stage victory of this year's race and eighth of his fledgling career when he dominated Garmin's Tyler Farrar in a close-run duel at the end of the 192km 11th stage.

Boonen finished 16th and had to sprint for the line on his own after being separated from four of his Quick Step teammates, who were injured in a crash after 27km.