Mark Cavendish returns to the road-racing fray for a final season... again
The British cyclist reversed his decision to retire at the end of the 2023 season after crashing out of the Tour de France before he had time to break the record of 34 stage wins. So he's back again, starting the season with Tour Colombia.
Cycling Road
Crashing out early in the 2023 Tour de France wasn't quite the farewell British road cyclist Mark Cavendish had in mind for his retirement year in which the aim was to break the stage-win record in the iconic race.
So the Brit did an about turn and has come back for one more year, in an effort to go at least one better than Eddy Merckx's 34 on which the pair are currently tied.
The new season starts with Tour Colombia, taking place from 6-11 February, so how is the Manxman fairing ahead of the season that was originally not meant to be?
Pre-race feels for Mark Cavendish
The Instagram reels Cavendish posted in the two days leading up to his debut race of the 2024 season told the story.
The first sees a smiling Cav, strolling through a homely-looking abode recording a selfie video. Looking into the camera, and therefore, directly into the eyes of the viewer, a bold 'Good vibes' sticker flickering in the top right-hand corner of the screen, the look seems to say, 'Yes, I'm here again, and we all know why'.
And we do.
Last season was to be the Brit's last ever. He was to retire from the professional circuit in a blaze of glory having bettered Merckx's record, to become the greatest Le Tour stage winner of all time.
Or not.
Instead, Cav crashed out on stage eight, hitting the tarmac with 61km remaining and breaking his collarbone.
This was definitely not how the proud Isle of Man-born racer wanted to end his illustrious career, yet here he was.
However, a seed was quickly sown by Astana Qazaqstan team principal Alexander Vinokourov.
"The first thing Vino said to me when I crashed out in France is, 'Why don't you do another year?'
"No," said Cav, before repeating for added emphasis. "No."
Yet, once recovered, a summer was spent back on the bike with a not altogether unexpected video appearing on his Instagram account on 4 October 2023 announcing his return.
"I was ready, at peace, but the more I've ridden this summer (in 2023), I just like riding my bike. I spoke to the kids, and I said, what should dad do? And they said, 'Carry on'. It wasn't even a question. So here we are, just one more year heh?" he says with a grin.
Family life key for Mark Cavendish
Talking to his family about making the decision is not just a throwaway comment.
With his wife Peta Todd, and four children – the oldest, Finn, is from Todd's previous relationship – Cavendish, who has been open about managing mental health issues, has a tight-knit family.
If they wanted him to quit – he would.
But the playful interaction when Finn had a birthday while Cav was away training in Colombia says it all.
"Mate, can’t believe you’re 18! 😳 I’m so proud of you. The best big brother to all your siblings. Full of sh*t, but it’s impressive. 😂 Grown from our boy into a mate. Love you so much. Been saving a few of these pics for today. Didn’t think I was letting you off easy did you? 🤣 Happy Birthday 🎂"
Peta chipped in on the comments, alluding to the embarrassing series of photos beloved by parents everywhere, that Cav posted alongside the birthday message: "Those photos could have been worse!😂
"Ahhh I couldn’t kill him 🤣," responded Cav.
Serious in his intention to make the most of the final year, Cav headed out to Colombia in mid-January for the 6 February start date.
But a playful vibe with teammates helps with being away from the family in the 2024 season, which includes the Olympic Games Paris 2024, starting 26 July.
Mark Cavendish, Peta Todd and family
Camaraderie on tour with Astana Qazaqstan teammates
The next post on the Instagram stories shows the team appearing to be at the hairdressers getting their pre-race cut, albeit, for some reason, in their full race suits and cleats.
Michael Morkov is filmed in the chair, having received the closest of shaves, no doubt for streamlining purposes. A giggling Cav and teammate Cees Bol then turn the camera on themselves, eyebrows raised at the close-cut shearing.
It's the closeness among teammates on lengthy journeys away from home that Cav will miss when he does retire, but for now, he's back in the gang and enjoying the camaraderie.
The fourth story is a reposted reel of Cav and his squad swaggering down the street toward their team bus accompanied by the soundtrack to the movie Staying Alive. Again with a goofy grin on his face, another snap sees him enjoying a meal out with his cycling brotherhood.
"Our season starts in 2 days," is the accompanying caption. Cav is centre table enjoying these moments he thought he'd never have again.
The competitive spirit that has been Cav's guiding force throughout his career has taken him to 55 Grand Tour stage victories, 162 professional victories, plus Olympic silver in track cycling at Rio 2016 and a road race world championship title in 2011, is clearly alive and well too. Another post shows a frustrated Cavendish after losing a card game, beloved by many an elite athlete on the road – Uno.
"Done with it. Stick your +2's up your ass," was the copy accompanying a photo of the aforementioned cards with an inset pic of a fed-up-looking Cav.
The end of an era?
The last post, before he takes to his bike on Tuesday, features him alongside his teammates during the parade of riders ahead of the race, who are introduced on stage to the crowd.
Cav is filming the presenter who is headed toward him with the microphone for a quick chat, the 38-year-old knowing that moments like this will be few and far between once he steps away from the circuit.
Should he achieve his aim of claiming the Tour de France record – the first chance comes on Stage 3 on the Plaisance to Turin leg on 1 July – Cav can presumably feel satisfied with his career, and finally, finally, call it a day.
Probably.
Tour Colombia 2024 schedule
06 Feb 2024. Stage 1. Individual Road Race. Men Elite.
07 Feb 2024. Stage 2. Individual Road Race. Men Elite.
08 Feb 2024. Stage 3. Individual Road Race. Men Elite.
09 Feb 2024. Stage 4. Individual Road Race. Men Elite.
10 Feb 2024. Stage 5. Individual Road Race. Men Elite.
11 Feb 2024. Stage 6. Individual Road Race. Men Elite.