World Blow for Cav

There's a major blow for the World Road Championship ambitions of Manx cycling star Mark Cavendish.

Great Britain have been allocated only three places for the race in Melbourne at the beginning of October because their ranking in the sport has fallen.

Nine countries will go to the start line over the predominately flat couse with the full compliment of nine riders - they include hosts Australia, Belgium, Italy, Spain and the United States of America.

After the race, Cav will travel to India to represent the Isle of Man on the road at the Commonwealth Games.