Mark Cavendish says recovery will be several weeks after surgery
Already a lot of speculation about the pro cyclist's future
Mark Cavendish anticipates requiring several weeks of recovery before he can resume cycling following his recent surgery on the fractured collarbone in his right shoulder.
Following a crash during the Tour de France, the former world champion underwent surgery on Wednesday. The Astana rider hit the deck during Stage 8 with 62 km to go, which resulted in him withdrawing from the TdF the following stage.
He shares the all-time record of 34 stages with Eddy Merckx. The 38-year-old cyclist from the Isle of Man expressed said the surgical procedure turned out to be more intricate than initially anticipated due to dislodged metalwork from a prior operation when he fell on his right shoulder during stage eight of the Tour.
Cav posted the update on Instagram.
“Yep, fractured right clavicle. Just out of surgery to plate it up. It’ll take a bit longer than the standard couple of weeks for a collarbone, just due to the screws that were in there from a previous injury. But we’re still only looking at a number of weeks, so happy days,” the caption read. “I’ve been absolutely bowled over by the love and support of everyone. Fans, colleagues, family friends. Thank you all so so so much. It obviously hasn’t been the ideal way to finish the Tour, but that’s part of the beauty and brutality of cycling! But I’ve felt incredibly lifted thanks to all you beautiful souls living my journey with me.”
There has been some speculation that he may continue for another year. In May, at the Giro d’Italia Cavendish announced that he would retire at the end of 2023. But given that he had to withdraw the Tour prematurely, might that change?
Speculation about a contraction extension
Astana GM Alexandre Vinokourov confirmed that he would visit the idea of retaining Cavendish on for one more season.
“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 an interview with 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.”
https://www.instagram.com/markcavendish/
