Cavendish abandons Vuelta a Espana

Mark Cavendish (HTC-Highroad) abandoned the 2011 Vuelta a Espana during the race's first mountains stage to Sierra Nevada on Tuesday.

Cavendish had been one of a number of riders that had suffered in the severe heat during Monday's stage three, dropping back with a group of 30 that finished 12 minutes and 50 seconds behind stage winner Pablo Lastras (Movistar).

Cavendish had been hoping to use the Vuelta as preparation for his bid on the road race World Championship title later in September.

Cavendish's HTC-Highroad room-mate Matt Goss was the first rider to abandon the 2011 Vuelta on Sunday after suffering from a stomach complaint.

No official explanation has so far been given for Cavendish's withdrawal.

Cavendish has already completed the Giro d'Italia in May and Tour de France in July, in which he won five stages and the points classification overall.

More later

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