Cavendish keeps overall Giro lead

Cavendish was edged out in stage two, but retained the overall lead

Britain's Mark Cavendish retained the Giro d'Italia lead despite being beaten by Alessandro Petacchi of Italy in a sprint finish to stage two.

The LPR rider edged out the Briton by a bike's length to win in three hours 43 minutes and seven seconds.

Italy's Leonardo Scarselli made a break during the 156-km route from Jesolo to Trieste but was caught near the end.

Cavendish took the lead by winning Saturday's first stage - becoming the first Briton to wear the pink jersey.

He was given the same time as Petacchi, as was third-place finisher, compatriot Ben Swift.

Lance Armstrong finished in the main pack and gained time on overall race favourite Ivan Basso.

Cavendish and Petacchi, both known for their sprinting abilities, had been the two favourites for the largely flat stage.

"It's been three days that I've been thinking how to beat Cavendish and I did it just how I imagined," said Petacchi, 35, on the occasion of his son's first birthday.

Monday's third stage is a 198-km leg from Grado to Valdobbiadene, which provides one more chance for sprinters before the mountains begin on Tuesday.

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Stage Two result:

1. Alessandro Petacchi (Ita/Team LPR) 3hrs 43mins 7secs
2. Mark Cavendish (GB/Columbia) Same time
3. Ben Swift (GB/Katusha) "
4. Allan Davis (Aus/Quick-Step) "
5. Tyler Farrar (US/Garmin) "
6. Oscar Gatto (Ita/Team ISD) "
7. Francesco Gavazzi (Ita/Lampre) "
8. Davide Vigano (Ita/Fuji) "
9. Manuele Mori (Ita/Lampre) "
10. Dries Devenyns (Bel/Quick-Step) "

Overall standings:

1. Mark Cavendish (GB/Columbia) 4hrs 04mins 43secs
2. Mark Renshaw (Aus/Columbia) +14secs
3. Michael Rogers (Aus/Columbia) same time
4. Thomas Lovkvist (Swe/Columbia) "
5. Edvald Boasson Hagen (Nor/Columbia) "
6. Tyler Farrar (US/Garmin) +16secs
7. Alessandro Petacchi (Ita/Team LPR) same time
8. Christian Vande Velde (US/Garmin) +20secs
9. Bradley Wiggins (GB/Garmin) same time
10. Lance Armstrong (US/Astana) +27secs