Mark Cavendish and Sam Brand are heading off to America to compete in the Amgen Tour of California that starts on Sunday.

The seven-day race begins with a 143-kilometre predominantly flat stage around Sacramento which is likely to end in a bunch sprint that should favour Cav.

The Manx Missile has a history of success in the American race, having won no fewer than 10 stages during his illustrious career, the last of which came in 2016.

The Team Dimension Data star goes into the race on the back of a solid showing at last week’s Tour of Yorkshire as he continues his return to full fitness.

Brand forms part of an eight-strong Novo Nordisk line-up alongside Fabio Calabria, Joonas Henttala, Peter Kusztor, David Lozano, Andrea Peron and Charles Planet.

After Sacramento, the tour takes in places such as the famous Laguna Seca raceway, before ending in Pasadena.