First victory opportunity for sprinter Cavendish

MONACO (Reuters) - British sprinter Mark Cavendish will have a first opportunity to snatch a win on this year's Tour de France when the second stage takes the peloton from Monaco to Brignoles over 187 km Sunday.

The Team Columbia rider, however, played down his chances saying the final part of the stage was not straight enough for him.

"It is not straight, it is bumpy and there are turns so I am not sure," the 24-year-old told reporters. "But of course, we will take everything that comes by."

In a stage that is expected to finish with a bunch sprint, Cavendish is the overwhelming favorite, although he is likely to be up against Belgian Tom Boonen and German Heinrich Haussler.

Swiss Fabian Cancellara, who smashed his rivals in the opening time trial Saturday, is expected to retain the overall leader's yellow jersey.

Seven-times champion Lance Armstrong, 10th overall after a respectable performance Saturday, will be out to spend a quiet day in the warmth of the bunch.

(Reporting by Julien Pretot; Editing by Alison Wildey)