Cavendish wins Milan-San Remo classic

Britain's Mark Cavendish won the 100th edition of the 298km Milan-San Remo cycle race yesterday after a thrilling race to the finish with Germany's Heinrich Haussler.

The 23-year-old Cavendish became the first British rider to win it since Tom Simpson in 1964. "It's the most beautiful day of my life. I didn't expect to win. I couldn't dream of anything better," said Cavendish.

The race saw a pack of 40 cyclists jostle for position through the winding streets of San Remo, with Haussler seemingly destined for victory after breaking away in the closing 400 metres, only for Cavendish to chase him down in dramatic fashion.