After a fast race, with Great Britain spending the majority of the day controlling the peloton to reel in the break, Cavendish was delivered in good position to the final straight. He was challenged by HTC-Highroad teammate Goss in the final meters, but was able to hold them off to take his first ever world road title. Former Highroad rider Andre Greipel took the bronze medal.
"I'm really proud," said Cavendish after the race. "This has been a three year project for us. Ever since the course was announced we have been preparing for this."
"Not just me but all the guys who rode so well today and others committed to making sure we qualify a good team. A World title is something special and I'm going to wear the rainbow jersey with pride over the next year."