Missing the 2010 Giro d'Italia , Cavendish instead chose to compete at the 2010 Tour of California starting on 16 May 2010 , where he won the first stage for only his third victory of the season . Missing the 2010 Giro d'Italia , Cavendish instead chose to compete at the 2010 Tour of California starting on May 16 , 2010 , where he won the first stage for only his third victory of the season .