Cavendish start delayed

Manxman Mark Cavendish has delayed the start of his 2010 season.

An ongoing dental problem has disrupted the cycling star's winter training programme.

However, the HTC-Columbia rider has targeted a start in Ruta del Sol on February 17.

Team manager Rolf Aldag said: ‘We want to take all precautions and ensure that Mark has fully recovered and is able to get in some extra base training for the long season ahead of him.

‘His season goals remain the same and he is looking forward to performing as planned in major Spring races like Milan-San Remo and Flanders before his focus shifts toward the stage racing.’