Cycling: Heat forces out weary Cavendish

The temperature got the better of Cavendish during the fourth stage of the Tour of Spain (GETTY IMAGES)

Mark Cavendish was forced to pull out of the Tour of Spain yesterday owing to heat exhaustion. The riders have been subjected to fierce heat in the last few days, and the temperature got the better of the Manx sprinter during the fourth stage.

Cavendish's preparations for the World Championships road race in Copenhagen on 25 September will now be disrupted as he needs special dispensation to compete in warm-up races.

Spanish cyclist Daniel Moreno won yesterday's stage while Sylvain Chavanel is the overall leader. A strong-looking Bradley Wiggins is well in contention.