The seven-time winner of the Tour de France called the performance of the 23-year-old from the Isle of Man "spectacular".

 

The gruelling 185 mile classic is considered one of the five great one day races on the circuit and its list of past winners reads like a Who's Who of the world's greatest cyclists.

 

Cavendish is the first Briton to win the race, which was celebrating its centenary, since Tommy Simpson in 1964.

 

He triumphed in a photo-finish with Germany's Heinrich Haussler.

 

Cavendish, who rides for Team Columbia-High Road, covered in 6 hours, 42min 32sec.

 

Haussler was second, with Cervelo teammate Thor Hushovd of Norway in third, each with the same time.

 

Cavendish said: "I really didn't expect to win. It's unbelievable.

 

"[Teammate George] Hincapie and the entire team helped me on the climbs.

 

"I was a bit worried when I saw Haussler take off, but I was able to pass him."

 

Cavendish was already acknowledged as the best sprinter in the world.

 

He said: "Each race is special, each time you cross the line is important.

 

"The different types of races, when you win stages, you prove you’re a great sprinter.

 

"When you win a one-day classic, you prove you’re a great rider.

 

"I wanted to prove that I am more than a great sprinter, that I am a great rider, and that’s what I did today."

 

Cavendish will now travel to Poznan in Poland with the rest of the British team to compete in the World Track Championships desperate to make up for being the only rider in the track team at last year's Olympics in Beijing that failed to win a medal.

 

He said: "Every time I put my leg over the bike, I want to be first across the line.

 

"Now I’ve achieved this target, I’ve got to set new targets.

 

"I have to keep racing aggressively.

 

"I have the right environment, the right people around me.

 

"I hope to make the most of it."

 

Armstrong, returning to Europe after a three-and-a-half year absence from the sport, finished well down the field.