Laxey's Mark Cavendish has become only the second British rider ever to win the men's road race world championship.

There were breaks from numerous nations and individuals throughout the 266km race around a circuit in Copenhagen, as they tried to prevent a bunch sprint finish.

A big crash with around 80km to go split the peloton, leaving some of the top sprinters - defending champion Thor Hushovd included - out of the reckoning as they had too much time to make up.

The main breakaway was finally reined in by the peloton - the Great Britain team leading the way - with about 30km to go, with a further four-man break swallowed up as the race entered the final 7km.

The Manx Missile was worked into position by his British team mates and after a final push he burst ahead of the pack with his trademark explosive power, as described by the BBC: