Mark Cavendish backs the Isle of Man's cycling bid

Mark Cavendish says he is "thrilled" to hear that the Isle of Man has bid to host the British Cycling National Road Championships in 2016.

The British men's road race champion said: "I've already been thinking of the courses they could do, not necessarily that would suit me but that would show off the Isle of Man and prove to be a good race.

"I would be thrilled and so excited to come and race here."

The 28-year-old also described the prospect of racing with childhood friends at the 2014 Commonwealth Games for Team Isle of Man as a "highlight" of the racing calendar.