Mark Cavendish claimed the Olympic medal which long proved so elusive with silver in the men's omnium - but it was not without drama.

After eight years of trying and at the third time of asking, Cavendish, who owns property in Ongar, finished behind Italy's Elia Viviani, while defending champion Lasse Norman Hansen of Denmark took bronze.

A mid-race crash appeared to be of Cavendish's own making and he may yet face a protest from rivals or a sanction from race officials which could deny him the podium spot.

Viviani finished with 207 points, Cavendish with 194 and Hansen with 192. World champion Fernando Gaviria of Colombia was fourth on 181 points.