Mark Cavendish went close to his first victory with Astana Qazaqstan at the Giro d'Italia in Tortona, finishing third in the sprint after his teammates again protected him and guided him through the rolling stage north from Tuscany.
On Tuesday, Astana Qazaqstan worked to ensure Cavendish got back to the peloton after the long rain-soaked climb in the Apennines only for the breakaway to stay away. On Wednesday, they helped Cavendish return to the peloton after the short but steep Passo della Castagnola with 40km to race and then positioned him well for the fast slightly downhill sprint.
