Winner in 2009, Cavendish’s success in the season’s longest one-day race set in motion the journey which ultimately led to his world championship success two years later.

The Manx Missile’s narrow victory over Heinrich Haussler, with barely a tyre’s width separating them, was a huge landmark in Cavendish’s career and he certainly holds the ambition to win again – should Omega Pharma-Quickstep opt to target a bunch sprint. With Tom Boonen also set to ride, the Belgian super team will carry a two-pronged attack.

Having kick-started his season with a first victory of the year at the Volta ao Algarve, Cavendish could well be coming into good form by the time Milan-San Remo rolls around, with Tirreno-Adriatico next on his agenda.

Decided with @opqscyclingteam to race Milan-San Remo & Gent Wevelgem. Both courses similar to when I watched cycling as a teenager. #excited

— Mark Cavendish (@MarkCavendish) March 4, 2014

Though he failed to get an individual stage win at Tirreno-Adriatico last year, Cav wore the leader’s jersey for three stages before going on to finish ninth in last year’s snow-hit Milan-San Remo. If granted the full backing of his team, the Manxman is certainly capable of bettering that this year in pursuit of a second victory.