Is Mark Cavendish going to postpone his retirement?
The Brit is set to hang up the cleats at the end of 2023...in theory
Will Mark Cavendish postpone his retirement to try and break the all-time Tour de France record? The British rider announced in May at the Giro d’Italia that 2023 would be his final year as a pro cyclist. He joined the Astana team for his last year racing, after being snubbed for a spot at the 2022 edition.
Still tied for the record with Eddy Merckx
The Manx missile was heartbreakingly close on Friday to breaking the all-time record for stage wins that he shares with Eddy Merckx. Cav finished second to Jasper Philipsen in Bordeaux, after the Belgian just overtook him in the last 150 m. After the race, the former world champion said he had problems with his gearing, which made the loss that more painful. Saturday’s stage looked promising for Cavendish to take the elusive win, until he crashed out mid-race with a broken collarbone. Given that this was his last Tour, it was a disappointing way to finish things off.
Philipsen overtakes Cavendish in bunch sprint to earn hat trick of 2023 Tour wins
However, Astana GM Alexandre Vinokourov confirmed that he would consider keeping Cavendish on for another year to try and break the record
Vinokourov throws a lifeline for one more go
“Yes, the team does want Mark to go on to 2024 and race his 15th Tour de France to win his 35th stage. I myself suffered a fractured femur in 2011 on the Tour and that was supposed to be my last year but I didn’t want to stop just like that,” the former pro said in L’Equipe. “I stayed on and fought hard to win the Olympic Games in London the following year. Mark has the same mentality and determination to reach his ultimate goal. So we’re ready to give him that opportunity but of course it’s up to him.”
Watching Mark Cavendish say goodbye to his Astana Qazaqstan teammates is heartbreaking
Given the timing, it’s understandable that Cavendish hasn’t confirmed or denied if he will take the mulligan from his team to race the 2024 Tour. It has only been a few days and the crash must still feel very raw, both figuratively and literally. But it certainly would make for an incredible story if he comes back at the age of 39 and tries to break the record.
