Much was made of the Omega Pharma-Quickstep lead-out train for Cavendish in his debut year with the Belgian team, and the Manxman’s frustrations were clear in many post-race interviews.

The opening stage of this year’s Giro d’Italia was no different, as Gert Steegmans appeared to be stuck in too low a gear as he bid to set Cavendish up for victory.

However, as frustrated as he was by the mechanical issue, the Manx Missile showed the tactical experience and class which has earned him his reputation as king of the sprinters to propel himself into the maglia rosa.

While the bunch sprint can pass in a blur to the casual observer, it almost happens in slow motion to Cavendish, such is his incredible skill.

Passing Steegmans with 500m still to race, the former world road race champion latched onto the Orica-GreenEDGE train and when RadioShack-Leopard’s Giacomo Nizzolo and Danilo Hondo passed him he caught their wheel.

Setting up a long sprint for the line, Cavendish then came around the duo and powered forward, leaving a straight sprint between himself and Cannondale’s Elia Viviani from which there was only going to be one winner.