Cavendish takes second stage of Tour of Missouri

Riders navigate a curve in the road west of Ste. Genevieve on Tuesday during Stage 2 of The Tour of Missouri cycling race.   ¦  KIT DOYLE/Southeast Missourian for the Associated Press

CAPE GIRARDEAU — Sprint specialist Mark Cavendish broke away after the final turn to win Tuesday's second stage of the Tour of Missouri cycling race, a 112.4-mile ride from Ste. Genevieve to Cape Girardeau, along the Mississippi River.

Cavendish, of Great Britain, sprinted to the finish line in Cape Girardeau to take the stage and keep his overall lead after winning Monday's first stage at St. Louis. Thor Hushovd of Cervelo Test finished second and J.J. Haedo of Saxo Bank third, reversing their Monday results.

Cavendish was a six-time stage winner in this year's Tour de France and is widely considered one of the sport's fastest riders.

His victory came hours after defending champion Christian Vande Velde retired from the race after injuring his hand in a pileup near the end of Monday's stage.