World champ Mark Cavendish wins 13th stage of Giro d'Italia

World champion Mark Cavendish won the 13th stage of the Giro d'Italia in a sprint finish Friday, while Joaquin Rodriguez retained the overall lead.

It marked the third stage win of the year for Cavendish, who finished in a time of 3 hours, 2 minutes and 7 seconds on the shortest leg of the race, a 75-mile ride from Savona to Cervere.

The Briton appeared boxed in on the approach to the line but managed to squeeze past former teammate Matt Goss for the win.

Alexander Kristoff was second and Mark Renshaw third. The Australian Goss finished sixth.

There was no change in the overall standings as Rodriguez retained a lead of 17 seconds over Ryder Hesjedal. The Spaniard will wear the pink jersey for the fourth successive day on Saturday.

The race moves to the Alps next, with the 14th stage covering 127 miles from Cherasco to Cervinia.

The Giro ends on May 27 in Milan.