Sprinting standout Mark Cavendish won the Milan-San Remo cycling classic in his debut Saturday, beating Heinrich Haussler of Germany in a photo finish. The 23-year-old Cavendish is the second British rider to win the grueling race, after Tom Simpson accomplished the feat in 1964. Earlier this week, Cavendish said he would only ride the race for the experience, and go for the win in future years. Cavendish, who rides for Team Columbia-High Road, covered the 298km course in 6 hours, 42 minutes, 32 seconds. Haussler was second, with Cervelo teammate Thor Hushovd of Norway in third, each with the same time. Lance Armstrong, riding the first European race after his comeback from three-and-a-half years of retirement, dropped back and out of contention in an uphill climb shortly before the finish. The seven-time Tour de France champion finished 125th, 8 minutes, 19 seconds behind Cavendish.
