Mark Cavendish has no excuses

Team Sky sprinter Mark Cavendish has admitted that he was beaten by the better man after finishing third behind Marcel Kittel in the final stage of the Tour de France.

The 28-year-old was looking to make it five consecutive wins in Paris, but he was beaten to the line by Kittel and Andre Greipel in the closing stages on the Champs-Elysees.

However, Cavendish has no excuses after falling short on the final sprint of the tour.

"Kittel was faster," Cavendish told reporters. "I did 1500 watts and usually when I do 1500 watts, I win by a few bike lengths."

Cavendish's teammate Chris Froome ran out as the winner of the competition.