Cavendish, 25, becomes the first British rider to lead the Vuelta a Espana since Robert Millar in 1986.

BBC: Cavendish in red

"I think Bradley will go to the Olympics with the aim of repaying Mark Cavendish for his work and sacrifice in the quest for the yellow jersey, " Robert Millar, who finished fourth and was named King of the Mountains in the 1984 Tour, told CNN.

CNN: Millar: Tour champ Wiggins will repay Cavendish in London