Cavendish became the first Brit to win on the Champs-Elysees in 2009

Manx cyclist Mark Cavendish continued his return to fitness on Sunday, with a second placed finish at the Clasica de Almeria, Spain.

The HTC-Columbia sprinter pulled out his trademark kick over the closing stages but had to settle for second place behind Dutchman Theo Bos.

The race was the Isle of Man rider's first one-day appearance of 2010.

Cavendish's next race will be the five-day Tirreno-Adriatico in Italy, which starts on the 11 March.

He will use the outing to prepare for his defence of the Milan-San Remo title.

The 24-year-old had delayed the start of his season because of an ongoing dental problem.

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