Recently crowned Madison world champion Mark Cavendish claimed a sprint victory in the second stage of the Three Days van de Panne.

The Briton, who partnered up with Bradley Wiggins to win the men's Madison gold medal at last week's World Championships in Manchester, was on dominant form in the sprint finale on day two of the Belgian race.

Cavendish overpowered Italian Francesco Chicchi and Frenchman Sébastien Chavanel to win the stage after 228 kilometres of riding between Zottegem and Coxyde.

Italy's Enrico Gasparotto (Barloworld), the victor of the opening stage, holds onto the leader's jersey in front of compatriots Luca Paolini and Manuel Quinziato.

After escaping in the 11th kilometre Frenchman David Boucher and Belgians Gianni Meersman and Bart Vanheule built a five-minute advantage before being caught by the sprint teams with five kilometres left to ride.

Robbie McEwen was unable to factor in the finale, despite his Silence squad playing an important role in hauling in the break-away, and Cavendish dominated the sprint beating Chicci by two bicycle lengths.

Cavendish said that he was in strong form at the moment and was gaining confidence ahead of the Gent-Wevelgem semi-classic on April 9.

Thursday's final stage will be contested in two parts, a 119-km road race and a 13.7-km time trial on the streets of La Panne.

STAGE ONE

Enrico Gasparotto won the opening stage of the 32nd KBC Driedaagse De Panne-Koksijde in Belguim.

The Italian, riding for the Barloworld team, beat compatriots Luca Paolini (Acqua Sapone-Caffe Makombo) and Manuel Quinziato (Liquigas), as well as Dutchman Niki Terpstra (Team Milram) in a four-up sprint at the end of the 192 kilometre stage between Middelkerke and Zottegem to take to overall lead.

It was the Italian's first win of the season after two years largely ruined by illness and loss of form.

Kurt Hovelynck was the highest-placed home rider, finishing in ninth place for the Topsprt-Vlaanderen team.

Early favourites Stijn Devolder and Leif Hoste are already out of contention for the three-day event.

Belgian Devolder, of Quickstep, finished some 17 minutes behind the leaders, while Hoste crashed 113 kilometres in. Although the Lotto rider fought his way back into the peloton, he cannot now win the overall title.

Eurosport