Bordeaux, France ? Even without his most important teammate, Mark Cavendish showed yet again that few can touch him when it comes to sprinting.

The British rider captured the 18th stage of the Tour de France on Friday while Alberto Contador of Spain drew closer to victory. The defending champion leads Luxembourg’s Andy Schleck by eight seconds entering today’s decisive time trial, a day before the three-week race ends in Paris.

Cavendish won a stage for the fourth time in this Tour and the 14th time in just three years of competing in cycling’s premier event.

He surged to the front in the final couple of hundred yards. He gave himself such a lead that he was able to look behind him a couple of times and then cross the line with his fist in the air.

Some Hollywood star power was there to greet him. Cameron Diaz and Tom Cruise, on hand to promote their latest film in France, joined Contador on the podium to receive his yellow jersey. Cruise raised the Spaniard’s hand and patted him on the back.

Cavendish won without his usual leadout man and roommate. Mark Renshaw was expelled from the race after the 11th stage for head-butting an opponent, and Cavendish dedicated his latest victory to Renshaw.