Mark Cavendish crashes again on Stage 6 of Giro d’Italia, injuries to be assessed by Astana Qazaqstan medics

Mark Cavendish endured another tough day at the Giro d’Italia, as he came home over 18 minutes behind stage winner Mads Pedersen after suffering another crash. The Briton was involved in a high-speed tumble at the end of Stage 5, but picked himself up to take the start line on Stage 6.

Ad Although the finish in Naples was seen as one for the sprinters — as it proved to be as Pedersen stormed to victory — there were fears that a couple of mid-stage climbs would test Cavendish if he was remotely uncomfortable following the spill on Wednesday. Giro d'ItaliaEvenepoel in 'a lot of pain' after crashes, 'difficult day' ahead, says team doctorYESTERDAY AT 19:23 He was distanced on the opening climb and never stood a chance of getting back to the main peloton.

From that moment, the aim was to get to the finish inside the cut-off time and without further mishap. That proved impossible, as Cavendish hit the deck at the foot of the descent off the Colle San Pietro.

Contador backs Almeida to take fight to Evenepoel and Roglic Exclusive — Evenepoel: I am the strongest, Roglic looks ‘nervous’ He was pictured hunched over in pain on the ground, and his Astana Qazaqstan team posted a video of Cavendish crossing the line surrounded by his team-mates. “Mark Cavendish crashed earlier in Stage 6 in the end of the longest descent of the day from Colle San Pietro,” a statement from Astana said.

“He finished the stage surrounded by team-mates, Samuele Battistella, Gianni Moscon and Christian Scaroni. Later in the evening, he will be checked carefully by team medical staff.” Should Cavendish take the start on Friday, it will be a tough time in the saddle as the Giro enters the mountains for the first time — with a summit finish at Gran Sasso.