Cavendish was relying on the Giro for some race experience

Wiggins and Cavendish hoped to use the three-week event to form an important part of their preparations for the Beijing Olympics.

But the tour's organisers have excluded the pair's High Road team from this year's event because they do not meet the strict selection criteria.

The Astana team has also been refused entry to the race which is held in May.

Manx rider Cavendish begins his road racing season on Sunday 17 February when he competes in the eight-stage Tour of California.