There will be no Giro d'Italia (May 8-30) for Mark Cavendish, HTC-Columbia manager Bob Stapleton told. Instead he'll race the Tour of California (May 16-23).

The Manxman won four stages of last year's Giro before taking six stages at the Tour de France. He was close of winning the points classification last year during the Tour de France. This year he will really try to win the points classification and therefore he'll skip the Giro, which is not that important for him personally.

"We are also pleased to have Mark Cavendish back in winning form," said Bob Stapleton. "Infections resulting from dental work in December undermined his training and delayed his start of the season. He won his first race of the season in Cataluña last week."

"We believe Mark will be very strong at the Tour de France and the balance of the season. He will join the team in California and we are very optimistic about his chances for success there."

Cavendish had a difficult start to the season. He had a toothache and after dental visit, he could still not compete much. He crashed at Tirreno-Adriatico. Hopefully it'll be better now ...