Columbia-HTC’s star sprinter Mark Cavendish will be sitting out the 2009 Vuelta a España after incredible performances in both the Giro d’Italia and the Tour de France. Cavendish broke the British record for total stage wins in the Tour de France with his victory yesterday on the Champs Elysees.

The 24-year-old took six stage wins in this year’s edition bringing his total to 10, surpassing Barry Hogan’s record of 9.

Organizers of the third largest Grand Tour need not be bothered by his absence, as the versatile Columbia-HTC will be sending the speedy André Greipel in his place.

“Our man for the Vuelta is Greipel. He absolutely deserves our support,” said sports director Rolf Aldag.

With 14 victories this season, only 5 short of Cavendish, Greipel will enter the race as one of the favorites for the bunch sprints.

Also on the Vuelta roster will be world time trial champion Bert Grabsch, who will be using the race as preparation for his title defense in Mendrisio, Switzerland in late September. “He wants to defend his time trial title,” said Aldag of the current world champion.