Cav - missouri - s6 - win (Credit: Jonathan Devich/epicimages.us) Credit: Jonathan Devich/epicimages.us
Missouri - s6 - podium - group (Credit: Jonathan Devich/epicimages.us) Credit: Jonathan Devich/epicimages.us
 
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Three for Cavendish in Missouri

September 13, 2008

Columbia's Mark Cavendish rocketed to his third stage win today in stage 6 of Tour of Missouri securing his lead in the overall Points jersey with one stage remaining.

With team-mate Bernhard Eisel caught with only 5km remaining in the race, Team Columbia strung out the field to set up the sprint for Cavendish who didn't disappoint.

"We studied the sprint before the race," said Cavendish and we saw the last couple of corners but we didn't realise how tight the corners were."

"The team did a great job as usual putting me in perfect position," he added. "So I could just go by."

After constant attacking early in the race, Eisel represented Team Columbia in the 11 person break which stayed away for the majority of the race. Meanwhile the rest of the Columbia team used the crosswinds in the last part of the race to try to isolate race leader Christian Van der Velde (Garmin).

The bunch split into a few groups which eventually came back together with 5km remaining. As the bunch was catching the breakaway, Eisel attacked solo and immediately gained a break of 25 seconds. 

As he was caught, Team Columbia set it up for the sprint. 

"The guys rode really well again," said Team Director. "Everyone is really motivated and tried everything in the cross winds. It's been exciting racing."