Cavendish looking to return for further glory

Cavendish’s triumph was the seventh British stage success of the 2012 Tour, with the Manxman finishing with three wins, overall winner Bradley Wiggins two, Chris Froome one and David Millar (Garmin-Sharp) one.

All four Britons, together with Ian Stannard, are due to combine on Saturday in a bid to help Cavendish win Olympic gold on The Mall at the end of the 250km road race.

Cavendish has won on the French capital’s most famous boulevard in each of the Tours he has completed – in 2009, 2010, 2011 and now in 2012.

The 27-year-old from the Isle of Man, who also won stages two and 18, now has 23 Tour stage wins, moving above Lance Armstrong and Andre Darrigade into fourth place in the all-time list.

Cavendish spent much of the Tour in the service of Wiggins, who repaid the favour, taking to the front with 1.1km remaining, with Edvald Boasson Hagen assuming the lead 600 metres out.

Cavendish then accelerated off the front 400 metres from the line and powered to a supreme victory to become the first world champion to win on the Champs-Elysees.

Peter Sagan (Liquigas-Cannondale) was second, with Matt Goss (Orica-GreenEdge) third.

“It’s incredible,” said Cavendish. “For me this race is everything – it’s what my whole year’s built towards every year.

“It’s a very successful Tour for Team Sky.

“Maybe there would’ve been more opportunities for sprints, but we won six stages.

“We’ve raised the profile of British cycling and it’s been an incredible thing to be a part of.

“Today, winning on the Champs-Elysees, was a big red cherry on top of a beautifully made cake for three weeks and it was an honour to be part of it.

“Winning here on the most beautiful avenue in the world – it’s such a special moment. I’ll be back again to try to make it five next year.”

Cavendish’s triumph confirmed he will be among the favourites for Olympic gold.

Cavendish added: “We came around the last corner at such speed that I thought I’d just use my acceleration now and hopefully distance the other guys and hold on.

“It was a gamble, but it paid off. I’ve had good form since the Giro d’Italia. Everything’s on target since then, it still is. I’m looking forward to Saturday now.”