Mark Cavendish showed off his potential for selection for the Tour de France at Sunday's British Championships on the road and in post-race interviews.

Mark Cavendish attacked early on and eventually won a three-man sprint battle to claim his second national road race title.

With the Tour de France just five days away, this was a clear indication of his form, but it is likely that he will not even make the start line. Although he won four stages last year, tying Eddy Merckx's record of 34 stages, it is likely that Fabio Jacobsen will take Quick-Step Alphavinil's sprinter spot.

Cavendish, wearing the national champion's jersey, was asked about the Tour, which begins Friday in Copenhagen.

"I feel much better than last year. I won four stages in the Tour de France and took the green jersey.

"My chances of making the Tour de France are slim, so today I want to use that to at least show that it's not because I'm out of shape that I can't make the Tour.

Cavendish explained that while his chances of competing in the Tour are "low," "it's not a done deal."

"The team did not contact me one way or the other. I don't know. Usually they contact me to say if I'm going or not, but this time there's nothing, so I'm optimistic. But we'll see," he said.

As if his performance on the Scottish road wasn't obvious enough, he left no doubt about how he sees both his form and what the tools can offer.

"I am good enough to be in the Tour. If I get into the Tour, I can win [a stage].

"The other guys on the team will win. And I'm happy about everything."

"I'm happy about everything.

Still, the desire is obvious. Cavendish revealed that another historic feat is at his fingertips.

"Can you imagine wearing the British champion jersey and winning stage 35 of the Tour de France? It would be really beautiful. That picture would stay with me forever."