Cavendish hails his team

Mark Cavendish insisted his UCI Road Race World Championship title was a real team effort - one which he hopes will culminate in Olympic gold at London 2012.

Team GB's eight-man line-up had set the pace at the front of the peloton throughout the 266-kilometre race and then made space for Cavendish to hit the front when it mattered most. And the Isle of Man racer was quick to pay tribute to team-mates - Steve Cummings, Chris Froome, Bradley Wiggins, Jeremy Hunt, David Millar, Ian Stannard and Geraint Thomas.

"The guys rode incredible and I am so proud," he said. "This has been three years in the making. When this course was announced we put a plan together to come with the best group of guys to come and bring the rainbow jersey back to Britain."

Cavendish added: "London 2012 is the biggest goal for us, and hopefully we can make the double with the Olympics next year."

Former Olympic champion Chris Boardman was in no doubt Cavendish's victory was a real team effort.

"I can't believe Mark Cavendish managed to deliver with the amount of pressure he's been under," Boardman said.

"Britain had to do the work all day, and it beggars belief how he continues to produce finishes.

"Steve Cummings and Chris Froome laid it down early in the race and then Wiggins chased the leaders down from the front of the peloton.

"To go out there, let everyone know your plans in advance, then execute was incredible to see. The British team delivered the result."