CHIEF Minister Tony Brown has congratulated Mark Cavendish on becoming the cycling Road Race World Champion.

Yesterday (Sunday) the Manx Missile became the first British rider to take the title since Tommy Simpson in 1965.

Mr Brown said: "Mark Cavendish is a global sporting phenomenon and the achievements of this amazing young Manxman are a matter of national pride back home in the Isle of Man.

"On behalf of the whole Island I would like to offer the warmest congratulations to Mark on becoming world champion and wish him continuing success in his astonishing career."

Also see: Cav is world champion!

              Cavendish comments after world championship success