Spain's Oscar Freire (Rabobank) won Thursday's fifth stage from Beauvais to Caen, taking an alternative route down the right, while the other sprinters went up the left.
Freire surprised the other sprinters, got a gap and used his power to stay clear to the line. Boonen went across the road to try and match Freire but could only follow him across the line for second place. Inaki Isasi (Euskaltel) was third, with Robbie McEwen (Davitamon) only fifth after getting stuck behind Boonen.
"Every sprint at the Tour is difficult and they?re always dangerous. I had good position today which is important. I started well back but it worked," Freire said.
"I?ve won two Tour stages (his other was in 2002) and I'd like to win at least another stage but the green jersey is a bit difficult because you need a good team and Rabobank also have to look after Rasmussen and Menchov.?
"I?m satisfied because I?m still in yellow and I?ve got some points back in the points competition but the reason I lost the sprint was that I was too eager to win. I went early on the left and it was windy and then I got tangled up with some other riders.?
"The Tour sprints are al about circumstances. Two years ago I was getting my ass kicked in the first week and then I won on the Champs Elysees. Sometimes you win and sometimes you lose but you?ve got to stay positive. I?ve still got the yellow jersey.?
7 Thor Hushovd (Nor) Crédit Agricole
5 Thor Hushovd (Nor) Crédit Agricole 0.19
9 Vladimir Karpets (Rus) Caisse d'Epargne-Illes Balears 0.29
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