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Cavendish gets season off to winning ways at home race

By Cycling News

published 3 January 2014

Manxman beats Kennaugh in sprint finish

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Mark Cavendish rolls to the start line(Image credit: Rob Quine)

Mark Cavendish leads the group of local riders at the start(Image credit: Andrew Haddock)

Mark Cavendies does his best race face as he sprints to the line(Image credit: Rob Quine)

Mark Cavendish is all smiles after the race(Image credit: Rob Quine)

Mark Cavendish safely tucked in behind his break companions(Image credit: Andrew Haddock)

Mark Cavendish puts his arm up in celebration(Image credit: Andrew Haddock)

The effort of sprinting shows on Peter Kennaugh's face(Image credit: Andrew Haddock)

Mark Cavendish gets a good look at his winnings(Image credit: Andrew Haddock)

Mark Cavendish leads the break, which includes Peter Kennaugh and Continental rider Mark Christian(Image credit: Andrew Haddock)

Mark Cavendish and Peter Kennaugh sprint for the line(Image credit: Andrew Haddock)

Mark Cavendish didn't wait long to take the first win of his new season by beating Peter Kennaugh in a two-man sprint finish on the Isle of Man.

Cavendish returned to the island for the Christmas break and took part in the local hamper race before he left. The race attracted a number of professionals, including Team Sky rider Kennaugh, Raleigh rider Mark Christian and former Saxo Bank rider Jonny Bellis.

There was no catching him once he made his escape, with Kennaugh and Christian, as the trio hit 40mph on some parts of the course. It may have been an amateur race, but Cavendish was pushed hard by Kennaugh in the sprint, although there was little doubt as to who would be the final victor.

Cavendish will be heading to his first Omega Pharma-QuickStep training camp of the year next week, before officially beginning his season at the Tour de San Luis.