Cavendish: Celebrates victory in stage four

Britain's Mark Cavendish came out on top in a sprint finish to win the fourth stage of the Giro d'Italia.

The Isle of Man-born rider saw off the challenge of German Robert Forster and Italian Daniele Bennati, who had won on Monday, to claim his first ever victory in the event.

Liquigas' Italian rider Franco Pellizotti retained the leader's pink jersey after the 183 kilometre run to the seaside resort of Catanzaro.

Belgian Rik Verbrugghe had been in front for much of the stage before being caught by the chasing pack with around 20km to go.

The final kilometre was marred by a crash which saw the peleton split into two groups.

The accident didn't stop Cavendish, who showed the kind of sprinting skills that saw him win Maidson gold along with Bradley Wiggins at the world track cycling championships in Manchester in March.

"This is my finest victory," he said. "It was the result of my team's work which kept me surrounded over the last 20km.

"The wind was blowing hard and Bennati went off at a good time, but I was able to follow him and overtake him."

Wednesday's fifth stage covers 203km from Belvedere Marittimo to Contursi Terme near Salerno.

Stage Four result:
1. Mark Cavendish (Isle of Man / High Road ) 4hrs 49mins 09secs
2. Robert Foerster (Germany/Gerolsteiner ) same time
3. Daniele Bennati (Italy/Liquigas )
4. Assan Bazayev (Kazakhstan/Astana )
5. Mirco Lorenzetto (Italy/Lampre )
6. Erik Zabel (Germany/Milram )
7. Robbie McEwen (Australia/Silence - Lotto )

Overall standings:
1. Franco Pellizotti (Italy / Liquigas ) 16hrs 41mins 26secs
2. Christian Vande Velde (U.S. / Slipstream) +1 sec
3. Danilo Di Luca (Italy / Team LPR ) +7"