Tour of Britain : Mark Cavendish to make return at event

Mark Cavendish has confirmed he will compete in this year's Tour of Britain.

The formidable sprinter will lead Team Dimension Data in the eight-stage event, which begins on Sunday in Edinburgh.

The tour arrives in Newark on Wednesday, following a 165km stage from Mansfield.

Cavendish has been out of action since breaking his right shoulder blade in a crash also involving Peter Sagan, during this year's Tour de France.

One of the world's most recognisable sprinters, Cavendish is second on the all-time list of Tour de France stage winners. His 30 victories trails Eddy Merckx's 34.

Also competing for Team Dimension Data will be Edvald Boasson Hagen - who won the tour in 2015 - Mark Renshaw, Bernhard Eisel, Jay Thomson and Scott Thwaites.

The Nottinghamshire stage passes through towns and villages including Southwell, Edingley, Collingham and Coddington before finishing near Sconce and Devon Park, Newark.