Garmin-Cervelo super-sprinter Thor Hushovd was golden again on Thursday's stage 5, his fourth straight day with the yellow jersey.
Husovd finished third in the 226.5 kilometre stage from Dinan to Lisieux and and held his one second lead on Cadel Evans (BMC Racing) in the overall standings.
Victoria's Ryder Hesjedal (36th) was one of four Garmin-Cervelo members helping to pace the 62-member peloton who shared the lead time.
The remaining 130 cyclists finished between 23 seconds and 12 minutes, 26 seconds back of the lead.
Hesjedal is 30th overall, one minute and 22 seconds back of Hushovd.
The Garmin-Cervelo team is carrying great momentum as David Millar moved into fourth overall, while the team's top all-around cyclists Hesjedal and Vande Valde (37, 1:57) sit ready to pounce in the upcoming mountainous terrain while Garmin-Cervelo's Tom Danielson is in the same position as Vande Valde.