Brits rule the Tour de France. So says this week's cover of Cycling Weekly magazine. But it's no idle boast with two wins and two third places to show from the first five days of racing.

Mark Cavendish is currently in the green jersey, the first ever rider from the UK to lead the Tour de France points competition.

Bradley Wiggins kicked things off on Saturday with his best ever time trial performance, third on the first stage behind Fabian Cancellara and Alberto Contador.

Wiggins was just one second slower than the 2006 Tour winner and impressively he finished ahead of Andreas Kloden, Cadel Evans, Levi Leipheimer and Lance Armstrong after a difficult 15-kilometre loop around Monaco.

Then it was over to Cav, who certainly didn't disappoint with back-to-back victories on the next two stages. No wonder he's such a popular rider at this year's race, a big hit with spectators and press alike.

Unlike those sulky general classification riders who are all too keen to hide away in their trailer, here's somebody who's always happy to sign an autograph, or give a cheeky quote.

And witness Mark post-race, seeking out each and every team-mate for a heartfelt hug.

Everyone loves a winner, but everyone especially loves Mark Cavendish.

And who can blame them?