Great start for Cavendish

Omega Pharma rider Mark Cavendish claimed the spoils on the opening stage of the Giro d'Italia.

The Manxman was eighth heading into the final stretch of the 130km stage around Naples but the peloton was split when several riders went down, allowing Cavendish to nip through ahead of Elia Viviani (Cannondale) and Nacer Bouhanni (FDJ).

The stage win, and subsequent 12 bonus seconds, sees Cavendish take the pink jersey from defending champion Ryder Hesjedal (Garmin-Sharp).

It was the 11th stage win of Cavendish's career in the Giro but the Briton admitted he found the going tough.

"It was a difficult stage," he told Eurosport.

"It was not an easy stage with all the corners but the team did incredible to stay at the front.

"I was so tired and it was so hot out there but I wanted it so bad."

Tour de France winner Sir Bradley Wiggins was some way off the front-runners, although he is expected to fare better in Sunday's time-trial.