Mark Cavendish was forced to settle for 18th place in his first race of the 2014 season on Monday.
The Manxman was expected to challenge for victory on the opening stage of the Tour de San Luis in Argentina, the race in which he claimed his first victory in Omega-Pharma Quick-Step colours exactly 12 months earlier.
The 166.2-kilometre ride from San Luis to Villa Mercedes was a largely pan-flat affair, however the early breakaway was able to open up an insurmountable lead in front of the chasing peloton and American rider Phillip Gaimon (Garmin Sharp) clinched the stage win ahead of the host nation’s Emiliano Contreras.
Cavendish crossed the line in 18th place as Quick-Step’s highest placed rider, but there was disappointment for the Belgian outfit as veteran Alessandro Petachhi was forced to withdraw from the event after suffering from a fever and stomach problems.
The race continues today (Tuesday) with a mountainous trek from La Punta to Mirador de Potrero de los Funes, but Wednesday’s stage is expected to be another flat one which should suit the Manx Missile.