Cavendish is now a regular stage winner on all three grand tours

Mark Cavendish sealed a second stage in succession at the Tour of Spain, after a typical finishing burst won stage 13.

The 25-year-old HTC-Columbia rider, leading the points competition in the race for the green jersey, edged beyond the pack at the end of a 196km run.

It followed Thursday's triumph in the 21-stage tour that completed individual stage wins at all three grand tours.

Thor Hushovd was second in Burgos, with Igor Anton retaining the red jersey in the overall individual standings.

Cavendish, who is now 165th on the overall standings list, will attempt a hat-trick in Saturday's 14th stage, a 178-km run from Burgos-Pena Cabarga.

He was full of praise for team-mate Matt Goss, who led the sprinter out for a second day running and said: "Matt was going so fast, I was struggling to stay on his wheel at times.

"He divebombed down the side of the bunch and got me into the perfect position. Normally I'd go with 250 metres to go, but I had to hold it until 170 metres this time. Hopefully he'll get a stage win as well before the race ends."

Cavendish also paid tribute to his Vuelta teammates in general, adding: "They're young, but they're really dedicated and concentrated. I'm really proud of the work they're doing here and I can't thank them enough."

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