Cavendish wins in Paris

A tour for the British. The victory by Mark Cavendish on the final stage of the Tour de France signals the end of the most successful campaign ever for British cycling. Trailing Cavendish over the line compatriot Bradley Wiggins secured the yellow jersey for overall winner.

The final lapped stage around the streets of Paris was given added excitement by a break that looked to push the teams of the sprinters all the way to the line. At times holding a lead of half a minute, the eleven man group looked hopeful to stay away. However in the last lap a combined effort by the teams of the sprinters brought them back into the mix.

The sprint never looked to go to anyone but Cavendish. A rare image saw the yellow jersey leading out the sprint before the Manx missile emerged from the field to obliterate the field. It is the fourth year in a row that he has won on the Champs-Elysees.

The stage was the culmination of three weeks of racing that saw a large number of cyclists dropping out through injury or so as to better prepare for the Olympics in a few weeks time. Attention now turns to London as cyclists vie for the chance to crowned Olympic champion.

Signalling the start of the games; the cycling road race is the first medal on offer. Other disciplines are the individual time trial as well as track events. The newly built Velodrome in London, nicknamed the Pringle because of its unique shape will host these events over the coming month.