Mark Cavendish will be leading Quick-Step Alpha Vinyl for the 2022 edition of Giro d’Italia, and the Manxman seems very confident about his upcoming performance. Needless to say, he has shown amazing form this season, bagging many impressive wins.
Although he seems prepared for the Giro, he also urged people to remember what happened to him last November, how he had a punctured lung. The last time Cavendish participated in the Italian Classic was back in 2013 when he won the overall points classification with five stage wins. This time, Cavendish aims to do better and bigger than his past performance.
Mark Cavendish explained in a Quick-Step Alpha Vinyl press conference ahead of the Giro:
I’m coming into the race prepared and relaxed. I worked hard for this, scored some victories already this year, and the motivation is there. I always loved being here and it feels great to return after nine years.
Last time I was here I took five wins and the points jersey, so there are a lot of great memories I have from the previous participations.
Obviously, the dynamic of the Giro might have changed since the last time I was here and it might not be the race I remember, so we’ll see how things unfold. But as I already said, I had a good preparation and I’m happy with where I am. Actually, I’m in pretty similar form to last year, and this gives me confidence.
Mark Cavendish was also reflecting back on his performance this year, especially how he performed at Milano-Torino, the UAE Tour, and the Tour of Oman. Since he performed brilliantly, people now expect miracles from him although that is not how it should be.
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His ultimate point is that he wants to remind people that he is just simply happy back riding in Italy, he will be at his absolute best and expect “Realistic” results from himself and the team.
Because I was winning early, people tend to forget that I had a punctured lung at the end of November. Of course it’s hard. I work hard. It doesn’t come easy.
The Giro has always had some savage stages and this year is no different, but it will be the same for everyone. We’re happy to be here, you can feel how everything is building up with just days to go until the start, and we’ll try to be in contention every time there will be an opportunity.
Although the 21 stages in this year’s Giro will be hard, Mark Cavendish does not expect to go all out on the first stage, which will be a 195km flat route but will end on a steep incline. He has his eyes on bigger stage wins, and we are confident in his strategies and tactics.
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Featured Image Via YouTube/ΔΕΗ International Tour of Hellas
