Over 130 riders had set off from outside Buckingham Palace towards Surrey countryside.

British cyclists dashed the hope of million fans who had lined down the streets of the 156 mile route, hoping to see Britain’s cyclists kickstart Team GB’s medal haul.

Thousands of people waving Union Flags lined the route with some dressed in Team Sky tops gathered around a big screen at the National Cycling Centre (NCC) to watch the Team GB. But, Cavendish failed to deliver Britain its first gold. 

Cavendish had described Britain's five-man squad as the 'dream team', featuring Tour de France winner Bradley Wiggins, Chris Froome, David Millar and Ian Stannard.

Despite the result, Cavendish relished the experience of competing in front of vocal support at a home Games.