Mark Cavendish Claims Victory in Opening Stage of California Tour

Cav\'s First Stage Victory Sparks Return to Form

Mark Cavendish shook off the controversy of previous weeks to storm to victory over the weekend.

The Manx rider has had a tough couple of months, dogged by injury and negative press coverage for his recent behaviour.

The HTC-Columbia rider who turns 25 this week won the first stage of the Tour of California in just over four hours.

Among those Cav beat was cycling superstar Lance Armstrong. 

The eight stage event will culminate next Sunday.