"The biggest goal next year [is the Olympics] and I hope we can make it a world and Olympic double," said the 26-year-old after claiming the first British world road race success since Tom Simpson won gold in 1965.

Cavendish also becomes the first rider since Belgium's Freddy Maertens, 30 years ago, to win both this race and the Tour de France green jersey in the same year.

The eight-man GB line-up ignored all breakaways to control the peloton over the 266 kilometres course, delivering Cavendish to the finish in ideal fashion.

But the final stages were frantic, as the Australian team mounted a charge and Cavendish appeared to be in danger of getting lost in the mass of wheels and bodies surging in a mass across the road.

At one point Thomas, leading him out, lost touch, and had to drop back into the peleton to try and retrieve the Manxman.

But Cavendish had already threaded his way through to where he needed to be before unleashing his unmatchable finishing power to cross the line first with arms upraised and a grimace that was finally turning into a smile.

Australia's Matt Goss and Andre Greipel of Germany took silver and bronze behind him.

Steve Cummings and Chris Froome had taken on the early running for the British team before  Wiggins chased the leaders down from the front of the peloton.

"We knew we could win three years ago when this venue was announced," Cavendish said.

"We put a plan together to come with the best group of guys to this race and bring the rainbow jersey back to Britain.

"This has been three years in the making.

"We had eight of the best guys in the world.

"It was incredible, we took it on from start to finish.


"The guys worked so hard to collect points throughout the season to get eight riders here.

"You just saw – they rode incredible. I am so proud.

"We haven't got eight riders in London next year, only got five.

"But these are big goals for us. Hopefully we can make the double next year."

Cavendish's first post-race Tweet gave an indication of the way his thoughts were going as regards his evening entertainment in a city which, earlier this week, he had described as "THE coolest on the planet."

In a reference to his team, and Geraint Thomas in particular, he said:

"I want to see them before they start drinking because obviously g will be on the floor."

Just in case there was any doubt, Wiggins's Twitter activity made all crystal clear.

"Cav wins. I think it is safe to say we are all going to get s***faced! Lock and load."

Two days earlier, 17-year-old Lucy Garner had shown Cavendish the way on the same course as she has secured the women's world junior title for Britain.

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


Related stories
August 2011: "Don't read too much into my victory" claims Cavendish after winning London 2012 test event
August 2011: Exclusive - "We are rubbing our hands" at the prospect of Olympic road race after Cavendish Tour de France green jersey admits Brailsford
February 2011: Cavendish excited at chance to win Britain's first Olympic gold of London 2012
August 2010: Cycle course will showcase London - and maybe Cavendish