Mark Cavendish leads Tirreno with team time trial win

Mark Cavendish in lead, Tirreno-Adriatico 2013, stage one

Mark Cavendish has taken the first leader's jersey at Tirreno-Adriatico with his Omega Pharma-Quick Step team winning the opening team time trial.

The Belgium-based outfit, which includes two-time world champion Tony Martin, powered through the 16.9km course in 19 minutes and 24 seconds to take line honours in wet conditions.

Thank you for reading 20 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access

Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription

Join now for unlimited access

Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

Contributor

Sophie Smith is an Australian journalist, broadcaster and author of Pain & Privilege: Inside Le Tour. She follows the WorldTour circuit, working for British, Australian and US press, and has covered 10 Tours de France.