Mark Cavendish reaches his half-century

Leading the way: Mark Cavendish has won 22 stages so far this season

13 April 2012

Mark Cavendish claimed the 50th win of his stunning career at the Tour of Missouri in St Louis.

It was revealed earlier today that the 24-year-old from the Isle of Man will be staying with his Team Columbia-HTC squad in 2010, and the Briton celebrated in style with a 22nd win of the season.

Six of those victories came in July's Tour de France - taking his tally in cycling's showpiece event to 10 stage wins in two seasons - and the Briton also won the Milan-San Remo Classic in March in just his third season as a professional.

Cavendish's reputation as road racing's quickest finisher was further enhanced in the 120.7-kilometre circuit race in St Louis.

The Briton's now customary late surge served him well as he outsprinted Thor Hushovd, who won the Tour de France's points classification ahead of Cavendish, and Juan Jose Haedo.

Cavendish will now wear the leader's jersey on the 180.9km second stage from Ste Genevieve to Cape Girardeau.