QuickStep-AlphaVinyl Bids Farewell To Mark Cavendish

"I know he wants to race for another two years, but he is not part of our project" said the team manager, Patrick Lefevere.

Written by Lalarukh Baber

Last updated on July 13th, 2022

Mark Cavendish’s contract with QuickStep-AlphaVinyl will be concluded by the end of this season. The news was confirmed by Patrick Lefevere, team manager, on the 12^th of July, Tuesday.

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A post shared by Mark Cavendish (@markcavendish)

It was speculated that the 37-year-old might opt for retirement, recalling his days on a sofa with a chilled can, but it looks like retirement is not a part of Mark’s agenda. As he hinted towards wanting to continue his career through 2023, or maybe even more years.

Patrick said while talking about the surprising news:

He will not stay. I don’t think so. It is not possible.

Cavendish, who had won the British Championship, prior to the Tour de France, was dropped from the team’s roster for the tour. The management decided to give the sprinter’s spot to Fabio Jakobsen, who is now looking like the new face of the team.

The team manager commented while talking about Mark Cavendish:

I know he wants to race for another two years, but he is not part of our project

The British rider had joined the team in 2021, by signing a contract of one year. The dialogue to prolong the contract failed, as Patrick Lefevere pointed out that Cavendish was in the hopes of joining the staff at the back after his career ends. Well, it looks like that will not be happening any time soon.

Patrick recognized that bidding farewell to Mark will be an emotional task:

It hurts my heart. I would like [him to stay], but every now and then the time comes to say thank you for everything he has done for the team, and I hope vice versa

Cavendish joined the team in the middle of 2013 and 2015. In only two and a half seasons, he won 15 races, including Tour de France 2021, where he won four stages and the green jersey. Ditching Cavendish, the team’s management has not only taken Jakobsen, but they also plan to rope in Tim Merlier (Alpecin-Deceuninck) for next year.

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A post shared by Mark Cavendish (@markcavendish)

While Cavendish has now been left alone in the woods, to hunt for a new team.

Also Read: Tour De France: Bob Jungels Makes A Clean Sweep At Stage 9

Featured Image Via YouTube/ Eurosport

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