Happy 24th for Cavendish

Just a day after his 24th birthday, Mark Cavendish has done it yet again!

The Manxman’s won the 13th stage of the Giro d'Italia today (Friday) – his third stage win in the event.

He beat Italian rival Alessandro Petacchi on the final stretch as his Team Columbia-High Road helped set him up to the finish line for another perfectly executed sprint finish.

All the favorites for the event stayed out of trouble on the mostly flat stage and there is no change in the general classification with Denis Menchov retaining his lead.

Today's 176km route to Florence was Cavendish's 'home from home' stage, as he has a house in the area which he uses throughout the European season.

The Laxey cyclist is now just two wins behind Chris Boardman's tally of 41 - the most achieved by a British registered competitior.