Isle of Man cycling sensation, Mark Cavendish, finished a creditable 69th in the Tour de France Prologue in London on Saturday evening.

The Manx professional cyclist marked his debut with a brave showing in his biggest sporting challenge so far in his short and highly successful career.

The 22 year-old T-Mobile team rider, who has already enjoyed World Championship success, tackles the first stage proper from London to Canterbury tomorrow (Sunday).

Cavendish has been called up two years sooner than he expected to take part in the event, after proving himself the best sprinter in last year's Tour of Britain.

World time trial champion, Fabian Cancellara, destroyed the field to win the Prologue.

The Swiss recorded eight minutes and 50 seconds over the 7.9km route from Whitehall to The Mall, winning by 13 seconds from Andreas Kloden.