It’s Official: Mark Cavendish Signs With Astana-Qazaqstan
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It’s finally official: after months of rumors, “will he or won’t he” speculation, and more drama than we’ve seen about a rider’s transfer contract in a long time, we have our answer. The star sprinter Mark Cavendish will race for team Astana-Qazaqstan for the 2023 season.
“Well, Mark Cavendish doesn’t need any presentation. He is the best sprinter of all times, and I am happy to welcome Mark in Astana Qazaqstan Team,” said Alexandr Vinokurov, General Manager of Astana Qazaqstan Team, said in a statement released by the team. “The arrival of a top sprinter in our team is kind of a challenge for us, but we are ready for it. We see new ways and new possibilities.”
“I am really excited for this adventure,” Cavendish said. “I raced with Alexandr Vinokurov for many years, and now I’m racing with his 2 boys! I remember when they were children the same age as my own, dreaming to be bike racers.”
And yes folks, the Manx Missile will be racing the Tour de France this year.
“The goals [...] are still the same – victories in any kind of race: Classics, stages in different stage races and, of course, in the Grand Tours. Mark still has a big desire to win and we are going to support this feeling with all our forces in all kinds of races”, said Vinokurov.
There’s little doubt that Cavendish will try to break the tie with Eddy Merckx and chase the most career stage wins at the Tour de France. Currently, Merckx and Cavendish’d TdF career stage win tally stands at 34.
What else do we know?
The rider’s contract with the team doesn’t extend past the 2023 season at this time, and we don't have answers yet about whether his lead out man Cees Bol will be joining him on the squad.
“Astana Qazaqstan Team is going to be a great place to be successful, with a strong team led by Alexandr, a champion on the bike and a gentleman off the bike,” Cavendish said. “I’ve enjoyed a long career already, but the joy of riding my bike and the hunger to continue winning are as bright as ever. So I’m looking forward to being part of a successful team, whether working with the team for wins, crossing the line first myself, or cheering on my teammates. As always, the objective will be for us to stand on the top podium”
Good luck this season, Cav! We’re here for it.
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