11 Sep 2010

Cavendish picks up stage win in Tour of Spain

6:01 am on 11 September 2010

Britain's Mark Cavendish produced another of his trademark explosive final sprints to claim his second straight stage win in the Tour of Spain.

Spain's Igor Anton of the Euskatel team retained the leader's red jersey after the 196-kilometre ride from Rincon de Soto to Burgos in north-central Spain.

Cavendish, of the HTC Columbia team, edged his great rival, Norway's Thor Hushovd of Cervelo, in a mass sprint finish.

Third was another sprint specialist, Italy's Daniele Bennati of Liquigas.

The Isle of Man rider, who many consider the best sprinter in the world, also powered to victory in the 12th stage -- a win that enabled him to claim individual stage wins in all three of cycling's major Tours.