Manx cyclist Mark Cavendish continued his return to fitness on Sunday, with a second placed finish at the Clasica de Almeria, Spain.

The HTC-Columbia sprinter pulled out his trademark kick over the closing stages but had to settle for second place behind Dutchman Theo Bos.

The race was the Isle of Man rider´s first one-day appearance of 2010.

Cavendish´s next race will be the five-day Tirreno-Adriatico in Italy, which starts on the 11 March.

He will use the outing to prepare for his defence of the Milan-San Remo title.

The 24-year-old had delayed the start of his season because of an ongoing dental problem.

via BBC Sport – Cycling – Mark Cavendish finishes second in Clasica de Almeria.