Tour de France turns scary

Crashes, crashes everywhere: Alberto Contador and some other Tour de France riders (including Slovenia’s Janez Brajkovic, right) tumbled to the asphalt Wednesday in a nervous ride on Brittany’s narrow, wind-swept roads. Most recovered, and a rider who skirted trouble to excel was British speedster Mark Cavendish, who showed that he’s one of the world’s top sprinters by leading a frenzied mass dash to the finish to win Stage 5. Defending champion Contador and most of the other crash victims bounced back to finish the 102-mile trek from Carhaix to Cap Frehel. The top of the standings didn’t change. Thor Hushovd of Norway kept the yellow jersey for a fourth day, with a 1-second lead over Cadel Evans of Australia. – Associated Press