Astana has published a teaser video about the re-signing of Mark Cavendish for the 2024 season, when aiming for at least one more stage win at the Tour de France, thus taking the all-time record outright, will be at the centre of his plan.
The Manxman was due to retire this year but crashed out of the Tour as he chased the record. He was widely expected to return for one more season to try again, and now Astana and Cavendish have confirmed that.
"Well, I guess that was me done this year. I announced my retirement," Cavendish said in a follow-up clip also published today. "I was looking forward to not having to get up, train in any weather condition, not be away from home, to spend time with the kids.
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"Ultimately, I'd miss racing; I love racing, but I was happy, I was in a happy place. And I knew I could go out on top. Obviously, it wasn't the finish I hoped for, crashing at the Tour de France. But it is what it is.
"We grew incredibly as a team Astana Qazaqstan this year, and I felt real family, so much so that the first thing Vino said to me when I crashed out in France was 'Why don't you do another year?'
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"No, no. Coming back, even from this collarbone - coming back from another injury - was like, phhhhh, 'another time'. I was ready, I was at peace. But the more I've ridden this summer, I just love riding my bike.
"I spoke to the kids and I said, 'What should dad do?' They said, 'Carry on'. It was a non question. So, here we are – just one more year, hey?"
More to come.
It's not over yet. @MarkCavendish pic.twitter.com/DMIdfi4uqQ
— Astana Qazaqstan Team (@AstanaQazTeam) October 4, 2023
