Mark Cavendish started stage two of the Friends Life Tour of Britain this morning despite crashing heavily during Sunday’s curtain-raiser in Liverpool.

Cavendish collided with the Rapha Condor-JLT team car and mechanic while attempting to rejoin the peloton after a comfort break.

He said afterwards that his leg was “f****d”, and that he would be going to hospital. However Omega Pharma-Quick Step DS Brian Holm this morning told Cycling Weekly that no visit there was required.

“The doctor said it wasn’t really necessary to go to the hospital,” said Holm. “He hurt his leg hitting the mechanic and car.

“He’s got some bruising, it’s quite swollen on his upper thigh, it’s like a rock. He hit the person at 50kph.”

Holm was hopeful that Cavendish will make it to the race end in London on Sunday, but admitted he was unsure of how much the Manxman’s injuries will affect him during the race.

“He’s feeling better than yesterday. He was hurt, but he’s fine.He’s going to start and we’ll see how it goes.

“The injuries are affecting him if he finishes second, but if he’s winning he’s fine.”