Mark Cavendish continues his career. © APA/afp / MARCO BERTORELLO

So now: Cavendish is extending his career

Mark Cavendish is postponing the end of his career, which was announced for 2023, by a year. The British ex-cycling world champion decided this after consultation with his family, partly because of what he saw as an undignified end to the Tour de France.

04 October 2023

From: apa

The Astana professional narrowly missed his 35th Tour record victory due to circuit problems 30 meters from the finish. He would have overtaken the legendary Eddy Merckx. A day later, Cavendish fell and suffered a broken collarbone. “I had announced my retirement and I was looking forward to not having to get up and train every day and not being away from my family for such a long time,” said Cavendish in a statement from his Astana team. “But of course the fall in the Tour de France wasn’t the career end I dreamed of.” Immediately after the fall, Astana team boss Alexander Vinokurov asked him why he didn’t stick around for another year. The first reaction was a resounding no.

“Then I discussed it with my family, with my children, and their response was: 'You should continue for another year'. Now I’m ready for it,” said the Brit, who will turn 39 in May next year. He revealed that he loves the Astana team and would like to do something for this project beyond 2024.

This is how Cavendish's last tour came to an end. © APA/afp / THOMAS SAMSON

“I believe a true champion should not end his career this way,” Vinokurov said. “I asked Mark if he wouldn’t regret it in a few years.” This year, Cavendish’s return was unexpected. “We will prepare intensively for next year and also make personnel changes. It won’t be easy to improve on the record he shares with Eddie Merckx, but we have a chance.”