Elite men road race photo gallery by Graham Watson>>
He did it! Mark Cavendish is the new World Champion after sprinting to victory in Copenhagen on Sunday.
The Manxman beat Australian Matt Goss and Andre Greipel to the line at the end of the 266km race.
His seven British team mates put in a brilliant performance to maintain control of the championship throughout.
Cavendish then made all the right moves in the chaotic uphill gallop, finding a line down the right hand barriers to take Britain's first senior men's world road title since the 1960s.
The 26 year old crossed the line with both hands in the air, his mouth wide open with delight. He was then congratulated by team mates, friends and rivals coming in behind him.
For the next year he will have the honour of wearing the rainbow stripes in all road races.
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
Team Performance
Not once during the race could the British team's commitment to the Cavendish cause be doubted.
Almost from the moment a breakaway established itself on the opening lap of the main 14km circuit, the riders in red and blue took control of the situation. Chris Froome, Steve Cummings and Jeremy Hunt were particularly prominent early on.
With help from Germany and the USA they never let the lead get out of control then steadily brought it back to set up the sprint.
David Millar was in close attendance as the race entered the critical last two laps before Bradley Wiggins did a monster turn to keep the pace high in the final six kilometres. Australia then Germany took over the front for their fastmen on the narrow run in.
Things momentarily looked bad for Cavendish when his lead out train of Ian Stannard and Geraint Thomas lost him as they burst up the right hand side in the final kilometre.
Nonetheless Cavendish is experienced enough to fend for himself and probably did his chances a favour by hiding in the wheels.
Biding his time, he made meticulous adjustments to his position before putting in his kick as the gradient eased shortly before the line.
As is the case so often with his sprints, no one could match him.
Results
Road World Championships 2011: Elite men's road race, 266km
1. Mark Cavendish (GBr) in 5-40-27
2. Matt Goss (Aus)
3. André Greipel (Ger)
4. Fabian Cancellara (Swi)
5. Jurgen Roelandts (Bel)
6. Romain Feillu (Fra)
7. Borut Bozic (Slo)
8. Edvald Boasson Hagen (Nor)
9. Oscar Freire (Spa)
10. Tyler Farrar (USA) all same time
Others
81. Geraint Thomas (GBr) at same time
99. Ian Stannard (GBr) at 34secs
108. Bradley Wiggins at 3-14
114. David Millar at 8-22
115. Jeremy Hunt at same time
Escape group
Bradley Wiggins doesa mammoth turn in the final lap
Mark Cavendish wins the men's road race
Mark Cavendish, world champion
Related links
Road World Championships 2011: Cycling Weekly's coverage index
Thank you for reading 20 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Founded in 1891, Cycling Weekly and its team of expert journalists brings cyclists in-depth reviews, extensive coverage of both professional and domestic racing, as well as fitness advice and 'brew a cuppa and put your feet up' features. Cycling Weekly serves its audience across a range of platforms, from good old-fashioned print to online journalism, and video.
‘I want to get back on the bike but I’m terrified’: After being hit by three drivers, one cyclist has had enough
A first look at Mondraker's Arid Carbon, a bike for 'whatever your idea of gravel is'
