Mark Cavendish has won his second stage of the 2016 Tour de France in Angers, overhauling German champion Andre Greipel of Lotto-Soudal on the line to win a stage of the race for the 28th time.

The Dimension Data rider’s victory today brings him level with Bernard Hinault in terms of stage wins and just six behind Eddy Merckx’s all-time record of 34 wins – although unlike Cavendish, a number of their successes came in time trial stages.

The narrowness of Cavendish’s victory was underscored by the fact it was Greipel who punched the air in celebration as they crossed the line together, and it was a couple of minutes before the Manx rider could enjoy his win once official confirmation was received.

Peter Sagan, edged out by Direct Energie’s Bryan Coquard, was fourth today and retains the race leader’s yellow jersey, which had been worn yesterday by Cavendish following his opening day win at Utah Beach.

Today’s stage was the second longest of this year’s race – tomorrow’s to Limoges covers the greatest distance at 237.5km – and it certainly would have felt like it to anyone watching, with the peloton taking a very sedate pace, taking three hours to cover the first 100kk.

Armindo Fonseca of Fortuneo-Vital Concept attacked early on and spent most of the day alone at the head of the race on the 223.5km stage from Granville.

With 82.5km remaining, he was joined by Direct Energie’s Thomas Voeckler, apparently fed up with the slow pace being set in the bunch, but the pair were swept up with 8km remaining.

Here’s on-board video from today’s stage from Velon.