Britain’s Mark Cavendish will retire at the end of the season

It’s a page of the sprint that turns. After 17 years as a professional, Mark Cavendish (Astana) announced during the Giro rest day, Monday May 22, his decision to retire at the end of the season. “I absolutely loved riding every kilometer of this race so far, so I think now is the perfect time to say this is my last Giro and 2023 will be my last season as a professional cyclist.”said the rider from Astana at a press conference.

At 38, the 2011 world champion has 161 World Tour victories. “He’s the greatest sprinter of all time.greeted his former teammate Geraint Thomas. He had an incredible career and it’s not over. He still has this record to look for in the Tour de France”.

A 35th victory on the Tour?

The “Cav” is co-holder of the stage record (34) on the Tour de France tied with a certain Eddy Merckx. Tipped to retire in 2020 after five years of crossing the desert, he had made a successful return to the Tour in 2021 with the Quick-Step team, signing four new stage victories and a second green jersey for best sprinter, after that obtained in 2011.

Under the colors of the Astana team which he joined this winter, Mark Cavendish will try in July to win a 35th victory on the Tour to overtake the “Cannibal”. Even if he has not yet raised his arms this season, the former track rider remains competitive, as shown by his third place won during the 11th stage of the Giro.