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Mark Cavendish crashed hard at the Tour of Oman

The Manx Missile is starting his season

February 15, 2022
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Mark Cavendish has had a relatively solid start to the 2022, taking a well-needed victory on the second stage of the Tour of Oman, following a second place in the opening stage.

The victory followed a rough winter. The Manx Missile suffered a horrific crash during one of the events at the Ghent Six Day, suffering two broken ribs and a collapsed lung. The crash happened at the end of the race when Gerben Thijsen lost control and caused Kenny de Ketele to abruptly veer up the banking. After his maneuver to avoid Thijsen, there was little room for any riders following him to avoid hitting the deck. The Belgian then clipped wheels with Danish rider Lasse Norman Hansen, who crashed right in front of the Manx Rocket. Both riders then careened and slid to the apron.

Cav was in the ICU for a week. When he was finally released, there was little respite for him. While recovering from his fall, former world champion Cavendish, his wife Peta and their children were violently robbed on Nov. 27.
The police said that “This was undoubtedly a targeted incident at the home of a celebrated British Olympian, who at the time was recovering from significant injuries resulting from a crash whilst competing, which was well publicized. Our investigation is moving along at pace and we are following a number of lines of inquiry as we seek to catch those responsible.”

Following an investigation, the authorities arrested three men, charging them with assault and burglary.

Stage five was a tough day for Cavendish, however, after a crash with 62 km to go. The fall was caused by crosswinds that broke up the race. “As is normal with the chaos of echelons forming I had a touch of wheels and unfortunately I came down quite heavily. I’m lucky that my injuries seem to not be too bad and I was able to get on my bike, with just some bruising and external abrasions,” he said, after the race.

Check out the crash below.