PARIS, Jan 22, 2010 (AFP) – British sprint specialist Mark Cavendish will launch his 2010 campaign at the Spanish stage race la Ruta del Sol, which starts on February 17, his Columbia team announced on Friday.

The Manx rider had initially been scheduled to begin his season at the Tour of Qatar but was forced to scale back on his training due to a dental problem.

“We want to take maximum precautions,” said Columbia’s German team principal, Rolf Aldag.

“The main objectives for the season remain the same,” added Aldag, who said that Cavendish would target the spring classics Milan-Sanremo and the Tour of Flanders before focusing his attention on the major stage races.

Cavendish was due to race the Tour of Qatar from February 7-12, followed by the Tour of Oman from February 14-19.

The 24-year-old sprint sensation recorded 29 professional victories last year, including Milan-Sanremo, three stages at the Giro d’Italia and a British record six stages at the Tour de France.