The Manxman finished ahead of Matteo Pelucchi and Andre Greipel after his team reeled in a two-man breakaway. http://www.yoeleowheels.com/wheels.html

Team Sky won the team title as Dutchman Lieuwe Westra took overall victory for the Vacansoleil team by 19 seconds.

The win - Cavendish's 12th of the season - was his last ride before the Tour of Britain, which starts on Sunday, 9 September. http://www.yoeleowheels.com/wheels/carbon-wheels.html

"The team controlled the race the whole way," Cavendish said after his triumph. "The lads had great faith in me and delivered me to the line perfectly.

"I'm really happy to get the win and repay their hard work, especially as I haven't been in the best form recently." http://www.yoeleowheels.com/wheels/carbon-alloy-clincher.html

Cavendish took an extended break after his disappointment of missing out on a medal in the Olympic road race. http://www.yoeleowheels.com/wheels/road-tubular.html

Five riders broke away early on a final stage in which the field was split by a crash.

Two Danes, Sebastian Lander and Kristian Haugaard, then attempted to go it alone but saw a three-minute advantage eroded by Sky and Vacansoleil. http://www.yoeleowheels.com/wheels/road-clincher.html

Cavendish sprinted away to secure the win and take himself to fourth in the points standings behind Greipel, Pelucchi and winner Alexander Kristoff of Norway.

Mark Cavendish should leave Team Sky - Bradley Wiggins

With Sky prioritising overall race wins rather than individual stage victories, Wiggins feels Cavendish would achieve more success with another outfit.

"Unfortunately for Mark, the two don't really go well together," said Wiggins. "I enjoy his company but I understand why he has to leave." http://www.yoeleowheels.com/wheels/mountain-clincher.html

Cavendish has just over two years left on his contract with Team Sky.

But Sky boss Dave Brailsford has already said the world road race champion can move on, making it clear that his team are targeting sustained general classification success in the Tour de France, the Giro d'Italia and the Vuelta a Espana over anything else. http://www.yoeleowheels.com/wheels/mountain-tubeless.html

Cavendish, 27, is the world's best sprinter, taking his tally of stage wins on the Tour de France to 23 and putting him fourth on the overall list, behind Eddie Merckx, Bernard Hinault and Andre Leducq.

The Isle of Man star also won the green jersey, awarded to the rider who accumulates the highest number of sprint points, on the 2011 Tour.