Cavendish has a point to make after disappointment in Beijing

Mark Cavendish has made it two stage wins out of two at the Tour of Ireland after winning Thursday's 158km Thurles-to-Loughrea stage.

The Manx Express crossed the line in a bunch sprint ahead of Rabobank's Belgian Michael van Staeyen.

The win means Cavendish retains the yellow jersey and extended his lead over New Zealander Julian Dean to 13 seconds in the process.

He also leads the points and young rider classifications.

Saturday's third stage sees the riders tackle the 201km ride from Ballinrobe to Galway.