Mark Cavendish suffered another crash on Wednesday during the opening stage of the Tirreno Adriatico.

The Manx Missile was making his comeback following a crash in the first stage of the Abu Dhabi Tour last month when he was sent tumbling after the race director’s car had braked suddenly.

The Team Dimension Data star suffered concussion in that crash and was therefore unable to attend last week’s Isle of Man Sports Awards.

His latest crash is another setback for his preparations for the forthcoming Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast, Australia and came during a short team time trial in Lido de Camaoire on the west coast of Italy.

Cavendish was able to continue and crossed the line sporting a bruised and swollen face but was deemed outside the time limit and was therefore forced to withdraw from the race.His team took him to hospital where it was confirmed he had suffered a fractured rib which could hamper his preparations for next month's Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast, Australia.