Alberto Contador sent a warning to his rivals with repeated stinging attacks in the 16th stage of the Tour de France won by Norway’s Thor Hushovd.

Norway’s Edvald Boasson Hagen claimed his maiden Tour de France win when he powered to victory in the sixth stage on Thursday.

British speedster Mark Cavendish won a crash-marred fifth stage of the Tour de France, while Thor Hushovd held on to the leader’s yellow jersey.

Despite a struggle that almost cost him the overall lead in the Tour de France, Thor Hushovd has pushed hard to retain the coveted yellow jersey.

Norway’s Thor Hushovd seized the Tour de France leader’s yellow jersey after his Garmin-Cervelo team won the 23km second stage on Sunday.