MARK Cavendish's dream of wearing the yellow jersey in his home county is over after the Ongar resident crashed out of the first stage of the Tour de France in Yorkshire today.
The former Commonwealth champion was just 300 metres from the finish line when he tumbled to the floor, allowing German Marcel Kittelto speed to victory ahead of him.
Cavendish lost control of his front wheel as he tried to break free from the pack in the last 400 metres in the finishing straight in Harrogate.
He had made the bid for victory by using his head and shoulders to try and push Australia's Simon Gerrans to the left so he could have a clear run to the line, but lost his balance and fell heavily on his right shoulder.
Gerrans also hit the deck and the ensuing chaos left only four of the 198 riders in with a chance of winning.
It is unclear whether he will continue the race on Sunday after the Manx-born racer was taken to hospital, nursing an injured shoulder.
These tragic turn of events mirror a similar accident the 29-year-old had on his debut Tour, when he fell on the run-in to the Canterbury stage in 20007.
The event was opened in Yorkshire by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, watched on by David Cameron and Prince Harry.
Le Tour will continue through Yorkshire tomorrow and then move onto Essex on Monday.
At this stage it is not known the extent of Cavendish's injuries and it could mean he does not get to compete in his county of residence.
