Mark Cavendish successfully completed the Vuelta a San Juan Internacional in Argentina last week.

The Manxman was making his long-awaited comeback following an extended break from cycling as he underwent treatment for Epstein-Barr virus.

The Team Dimension Data star had not ridden professionally since last July’s Prudential RideLondon-Surrey Classic and was keen to play down expectations over the opening few months of the season.

After finishing a fine eighth during the opening stage, Cav went on to claim 134th, 115th, 148th, and 130th, before ending the race well with 16th and 12th place finishes.

Following the tour, Cavendish commented: ’It’s nice to gradually get back into and enjoy it more than anything thing. I went from being nervous to enjoying it.

’In the last few days I’ve realised why I ride a bike because I love it [racing] like everyone. Once you enjoy it, it makes you appreciate it.

’I know it’s the same for everyone but I found the heat really hard at the beginning of the week. It was a big shock.

’Each day gets better, it always does. It was hard to tell what the fatigue would be like without the rest day on Thursday but it’s not been the hardest race.

’That’s the great thing about this South American race, the organisers always do a good job.

’I’m not expecting anything for the first three months of the season, that’s for sure. I’ll always try and the team will support me to try but there’s no expectation to do anything. I’m only human at the end of the day.’

l Matthew Bostock has also been in action recently, competing in several one-day races in Spain.

Riding for the Canyon dhb p/b Bloor Homes team, Bocky successfully completed the Trofeo Ses Salines race in Majorca in 148th place.

He did not complete the following day’s Trofeo Andratx - Lloseta race, but was 108th in the Trofeo Palma contest over 160 kilometres when supporting team-mate Robert-Jon McCarthy to 18th place.

l Peter Kennaugh also rode in two of the three one-day races but, after finishing 91st in the Trofeo Andratx, he was unable to complete the Trofeo de Tramuntana Soller-Deia and Trofeo Palma races.

The BORA-hansgrohe rider is expected to next be in action at the Vuelta Ciclista a la Regió* de Murcia Costa Cálida on February 15.