Mark Cavendish has continued on the second stage of the Tour of Britain this morning after suffering a heavy crash during yesterday’s opening stage in Liverpool.

The Ongar star collided with a team car while attempting to rejoin the main field after a comfort break, but despite being in pain the Omega Pharma-Quick Step rider was able to finish third behind stage winner and big sprint rival Marcel Kittel.

It was reported last night that Cavendish would be going to hospital. A visit was not required but Cavendish took to the start line in Knowsley for today’s 200.8km stage to Llandudno with bruising and a swollen thigh.

Explaining what happened after yesterday’s circuit race in Liverpool, Cavendish said: “Someone had to stop for a puncture so the car slammed on its brakes, and there was an island in the road. If I went right, I would hit a traffic island, so I went left and I whacked another car. I hit it with my left leg and I was down on the road. I felt immediately a lot of pain on my quadriceps. It took me a lap to come back even because our team car couldn't assist me immediately because it was on the front.

“At that point I wasn't planning to sprint either, it was painful. But after a couple of laps we decided to just try anyway, but sprint seated because I was in pain. I still got third, but it's a shame because I really wanted to try and win in front of the British public. But accidents like this are a part of cycling and it's just a matter of bad luck. I really hope that the luck turns in the next days...”

Cavendish came into the race continuing his competitive recovery from the shoulder surgery he required following the injuries sustained in a crash on the opening stage of this year’s Tour de France into Harrogate.