Mark Cavendish takes stage win in Tour of Switzerland, over Tadej Valjavec and Oscar Freire

Mark Cavendish of Great Britain dominated another sprint finish to win the sixth stage of the Tour of Switzerland on Thursday, while Tadej Valjavec of Slovenia retained the overall lead.

Cavendish finished the 111-mile ride from Oberriet to Bad Zurzach in 4 hours, 18 minute, 26 seconds. Three-time world champion Oscar Freire of Spain was second and Italy's Francesco Gavazzi was third.

Valjavec finished safely in the pack to ensure he will wear yellow for a third day Friday, but his lead was cut to nine seconds as Fabian Cancellara picked up time in bonus sprints.

Cancellara took over second place from fellow Swiss Oliver Zaugg, who is 14 seconds behind Valjavec.

It was Cavendish's 13th stage win of the season and his second of the nine-day Swiss Tour, after sprinting to victory in Monday's third stage at Lumino.

It was also the fourth stage win in six days for Cavendish's Columbia-Highroad team.

For a second straight day, a Swiss rider made a long solo escape but Reto Hollenstein was caught with about 11 miles to go, setting up the sprint finale.

Friday's seventh stage is a 127-mile leg on flat terrain from Bad Zurzach to Vallorbe Juraparc.