Set for the finale by his Team Columbia train, the Briton surged with 200 meters to go to easily upstage Germany's Danilo Hondo and South Africa's Robbie Hunter.

It was Cavendish's 58th career win and the second this year after a Tour of Catalunya stage but his difficult beginning to the season had raised doubts about his form and involvement.

The world's best sprinter made it clear he thought the criticism unfair and unfounded by making an unequivocal gesture at the finish.

"I did it really to say I'm back. Today I showed I had not lost it, that my team had not lost it. It was not only me who was written down but also my team," he said.

Cavendish explained he had spent three weeks in bed with a dental infection at the start of the season and had only been able to ride competitively for 20 days.

"We sat down with my team and decided that to neglect wins and concentrate on my getting fit was the best way to prepare for my goal of the season which is the Tour de France green jersey," he said.

Last year, Cavendish lost the Tour's points classification to Norwegian Thor Hushovd after the Briton was docked points for dangerous sprinting at the end of a stage.

The Tour de Romandie, with its climbs and mountains, is one of the preparation races for the Manxman ahead of July's Tour de France along with the Tour of California and Tour of Switzerland.

"I'm never going to win a mountain stage but it's not a problem for me. As my form gets better throughout the season, I'm always going to suffer in the mountains but I'll be ready to suffer longer," he said.