Mark Cavendish has won the 28th Tour du Poitou Charentes First Stage.
This 2.1 race of 194.4kms from Jarnac to La Ronde came down to a sprint which Cavendish won ahead of Maxime Daniel of AG2R.
The breakaway had consisted of Burghardt (BMC) Rostollan (La Pomme) Dufrasne (Valonia) Van Melsen (Wanty) and they were away for about 150kms, never taking a lead of more than 2.40.
Omega Pharma Quick Step worked to bring Cavendish up and the Manx Missile duly obliged with the victory, ahead of Daniel, Roy Jans, Rudy Barbier and David Menut.