Mark Cavendish delighted a home crowd and delivered on his favourite status to claim the final stage of the Tour of Britain in London.
Cavendish claimed his third stage win of the race to cap a successive week for home riders, who have emerged victorious in five of eight days and claimed overall honours for the second straight year, with Sir Bradley Wiggins taking the general classification.
Cavendish now has ten career victories in his home race and he enjoyed a huge turnout of support as thousands gathered around Whitehall to cheer him over the line.
“To be able to win here in London is amazing,” said Cavendish.
“Last time we won I was proud but it's nothing compared now. What’s happened to British cycling is incredible.
“To see that amount of people out means the race is almost certainly going to improve its UCI rating and will attract bigger names.
“The race is getting bigger and bigger and is good preparation for the World Championships.”
Cavendish’s attentions now turn to his final race of the season and the UCI Road World Championships in Florence next Sunday.
The rider is part of an eight-man British team hoping to secure victory for this year’s Tour de France winner Chris Froome.
Cavendish, who won the race in 2011, is hoping to deliver a similar result for team=mate Froome, who will be hoping to cap off a superb season with the world champion’s rainbow jersey.
“I’m really looking forward to next week,” added Cavendish.
“I’ve been basing my training for the last week around it and want to do a good job for the team. It’s helped keep me focused.
“Hopefully I can help set the team up for the lead guys. Chris has a super chance of winning and he’s in good form.”
© Sportsbeat 2013