Mark Cavendish went into the Tour du Poitou-Charentes with lots of uncertainty as the race was one of his first since his Tour de France crash. Today, however, he returned to his winning ways when he emerged as the strongest in the opening stage.

Omega Phama - Quick-Step Cycling Team rider Mark Cavendish finished the fantastic work of his teammates, launching with impressive power and winning the bunch sprint finale of 192.4km Tour du Poitou-Charentes Stage 1 on Tuesday.

The OPQS leadout was so impressive — despite a nervous stage with plenty of crashes — that Mark Renshaw also placed 9th.

Maxime Daniel (AG2R - La Mondiale) was 2nd, and Roy Jans (Wanty-Groupe Gobert) was 3rd.

The original breakaway was brought back early, but it wasn't clear who would control for the sprint until the final kilometers. OPQS emerged on the front with inside 10km to go in the stage, and Cavendish was put into position for the group arrival perfectly. It was the 10th victory of the season for Cav, and the 56th on the road (58th overall) for OPQS in 2014.

OPQS looks next to 183.6km Stage 2 on Wednesday, with Cav in the leader's jersey. 

"The team was incredible today," Cavendish said. "We rode well, we protected ourselves from the wind but also sped up a bit to try and split the group. But the wind changed direction and it was impossible. The guys controlled perfectly regardless.

"With 8 kilometers to go, with a crosswind, we started our leadout and it was perfect. I'm so proud of the guys, this was a real team victory today.

"I started at 200m from the finish. No one was able to pass me. Today we were not necessarily expecting this kind of stage. The wind shifted several times during the day. 

"It was really chaotic in the final kilometers, as many teams wanted to lead their sprinter out. The last corner was pretty dangerous. But fortunately, my team has took care of me in the finale. I still had three guys in front of me me at the most important moment. The Europcar guys tried to pass us but Mark (Renshaw) did a great job to stay in front. He was the last rider to lead me out.

"I'm really happy to win here. I'm still not 100%. It's been three and a half weeks without touching the bike. I do not know if I can win other stages. We'll see, the Tour du Poitou-Charentes is not an easy race.
 

"Personally it's a nice feeling to win again, especially after such a well executed sprint. In the next few days we'll see if we can try again and continue this winning mood.