Cav drops out of 'successful Giro'

Mark Cavendish has withdrawn from the Giro d'Italia.

The 'Manx Missile' won stage 12 of the event yesterday (Thursday), after managing to stay ahead of a big crash in the race for the finish line.

The Giro now moves into the Alps, and Cav said: 'I'm going home to recuperate for the Tour de France.

'This was the last sprint in this Giro and it's really big for me and the team - we controlled the entire stage, the team did an incredible job.

'It was a successful Giro for me and the team.'

Cav has won two stages at this year's race and six at the Italian grand tour during his career.