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Mark Cavendish pulls out of Tour of Missouri
11.09.09
Manxman Mark Cavendish was today forced to withdraw from the Tour of Missouri due to illness shortly after losing his lead to sprint rival Thor Hushovd of Norway.
The 23-year-old Cavendish still wore the Best Young Rider jersey but had to pull out after an infection worsened during the first days of competition.
A statement from Cavendish's team, Team Columbia HTC, read: "Mark withdraws with deep regret from the Tour of Missouri.
"Mark has been fighting an infection since travelling to the USA which has spread to his lungs.
"He has had a long and successful season and it is a team priority that his general health be protected.
"He is on antibiotics and will rest here in Missouri for a few days prior to returning to Europe."
