Britain's Mark Cavendish won the fifth stage of the Tour de France on Thursday, full of joy in tears for his first victory in this year's race.

The Briton, who won six stages last year and four in 2008, grasp his first victory in the 2010 edition on the mostly flat 187. 5-kilometer (116.3-mile) trek from Epernay to Montargis, clocking 4 hours, 30 minutes, 50 seconds.

The 25-year-old Cavendish thrust his arms skyward and hugged teammates in the winner's circle after beating Gerald Ciolek of Germany into second and Norway's Edvald Boasson Hagen into third.

Fabian Cancellara retained the leader's yellow jersey, and the overall standings didn't change. Defending champion Alberto Contador of Spain was 19th in the stage, and seven-time tour winner Lance Armstrong 30th.

Among the top contenders behind Cancellara, Cadel Evans of Australia holds third place, 39 seconds back, and last year's runner-up Andy Schleck of Luxembourg is sixth, 1:09 back.

Contador is ninth, 1:40 back, and United States rider Armstrong is 2:30 back in 18th.

The Tour ends July 25 in Paris.