Cavendish takes British title but misses Tour spot

Fastman puts on a display reaffirming racing nous, writes Adam Becket

- Adam Becket

Saying Mark Cavendish is a great cyclist doesn't seem like a particularly controversial point. Sure, the Manxman has won 161 races across his lengthy career, but not many in the manner that he won the National Championships last weekend.

Sprinting is by no means easy, nor is sticking in a race as it goes through high mountains, but it does feel different from the display of attacking verve and brio that was on display in Dumfries and Galloway. There was no sprint train, no mass bunch; this was Cavendish on his own, dictating the race from the front and then winning from a group of three, ensuring Sam Watson (Groupama-FDJ) had to settle for second place and the U23 crown, while Alex Richardson (unattached) rounded out the podium.

Just like on stage 16 of the Giro d'Italia, the Quick Step-Alpha Vinyl leader went up the road in an early break; unlike that occasion, it was not completely pointless.

Witnessing it you felt he enjoyed showing everyone, his critics and fans alike, that he is more than just a pure sprinter. More than anyone else, it was a reminder pointed directly at Quick-Step boss Patrick Lefevere, that he is a winner above all else.