CAVENDISH SCORCHES CLEAR FOR FIRST ROAD WIN OF 2008

CAVENDISH SCORCHES CLEAR FOR FIRST ROAD WIN OF 2008

Belgium, 2 April, 2008 - The end of a chaotic bunch sprint in the Three Days of De Panne in Belgium saw Mark Cavendish scorch his first road victory of the season in 2008.

Fresh from winning a Madison Gold with High Road and GB team-mate Bradley Wiggins in Manchester’s World Championships, Cavendish was unstoppable at the end of the 228 kilometer stage two from Zottegem to Koksijde. The 22-year-old Briton forged clear almost 300 metres for the line to clinch the stage by a comfortable two bike lengths. Second was Francesco Chicchi of Italy and third Frenchman Sebastian Chavanel.

For Cavendish, victory in De Panne is a case of history almost repeating itself. In 2007 his first road win also came in Belgium in April - in the Scheldeprijs. This time round, though, that first victory has come even earlier!

“It was a really crazy finish, totally lethal.” Cavendish said afterwards. “So many riders from so many teams all over the place made it very complicated.

“With 400 metres to go I was just behind [Robbie] McEwen and then 300 to go I got through a gap on the left and just went for it.”

“I’m very pleased to get this first road-race win of 2008 because it’s been quite a long time coming and I’ve had some very near misses.”

“This time, though, luck was on my side, plus I saw the right opportunity in the sprint and I took it. ”

“Compared with last year I’m doing a lot better in this race. I was finishing well down on every stage here in De Panne, maybe in the last 40 riders.”

“This win has given me great morale for Scheldeprijs, where I hope to defend my title, and for Ghent-Wevelgem, which I’ll be racing for the first time. ”

Team High Road Riders race on Giant's latest road racing machine - The TCR Advanced SL