Giro d'Italia: Mark Cavendish sprints to yet another victory

Manxman takes stage 13 following Bradley Wiggins' withdrawal from the tour

Mark Cavendish at the Giro d'Italia (GETTY IMAGES)

Mark Cavendish sprinted to victory in the 13th and longest stage of the Giro d'Italia, and favorite Vincenzo Nibali retained the overall lead to boost his chances of a first victory in his home country's Grand Tour.

Cavendish won in a time of 6 hours, 9 minutes, 55 seconds to claim a second straight stage victory and a fourth in this year's Giro.

Giacomo Nizzolo was second, with Luka Mezgec third in a bunch sprint at the end of the 254-kilometer (158-mile) leg from Busseto to Cherasco.

Nibali maintained his 41 second lead over Cadel Evans. The mountain stages are coming up soon in the race.

Tour de France winner Bradley Wiggins and defending champion Ryder Hesjedal withdrew from the race before the stage began.

AP