TODAY’S STAGE 3

A brief look at Sunday’s second stage, a 116.2-mile ride between Monaco and Brignoles:

* Winner: Mark Cavendish of Britain, who won the final sprint in front of Tyler Farrar of the U.S. and Romain Feillu of France.

* Yellow jersey: Fabian Cancellara of Switzerland, winner of the opening time trial on Saturday.

* Quote of the day: “The heat was like you were baking bread. . . . It was terrible.” -- Fabian Cancellara.

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STAGE 2 RESULTS

Mark Cavendish, Britain, 4:30:02

Tyler Farrar, United States, same time

Romain Feillu, France, same time

Thor Hushovd, Norway, same time

Yukiya Arashiro, Japan, same time

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OVERALL STANDINGS

Fabian Cancellara, Switzerland, 4:49:34

Alberto Contador, Spain, 18 secs. Behind

Bradley Wiggins, Britain, 19 secs. Behind

4.Andreas Kloden, Germany, 22 secs. Behind

5. Cadel Evans, Australia, 23 secs. behind

Destination La Grande Motte: A lush oasis, actually the greenest resort in Europe, La Grande Motte lies on the shores of the Mediterranean. This seaside town, unique in architectural design, was created by Jean Balladur, who was inspired by the pre-Columbian Inca pyramids of Mexico. Any of the American cyclists would be lucky to spend some time in this luxurious resort town. Tyler Farrar, whose hometown is Wenatchee, Wash., would greatly appreciate the average 300 days of sunshine per year in La Grande Motte.

-- Lauren Goldman