Tearful Mark Cavendish hints at retirement after Gent-Wevelgem - 'This may have been my last race'

ByTom Bennett

Updated 11/10/2020 at 16:44 GMT

Is Mark Cavendish about to retire? The Manxman suggested as much in a television interview with the host Belgian broadcaster at Gent-Wevelgem. Cavendish is one of the most successful cyclists in the history of the sport, with 48 Grand Tour stage wins to his name, including 30 at the Tour de France, putting him second to Eddy Merckx on the all-time list for total TDF stage wins.

Mark Cavendish's career may be coming to a close.

The legendary British cyclist got himself in the breakaway in Gent-Wevelgem, a rare choice for a sprint cyclist, and Cavendish's post-race interview suggested that the move may have been an act of bowing out in style.

Speaking on Belgian television after Gent-Wevelgem, a visibly emotional Cavendish said "that’s perhaps the last race of my career", and when pushed for further comment he composed himself amidst the tears and added "maybe, yeah" before cycling away from the prying eyes of the television cameras.

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Cavendish's comments come amid reports that the 35-year-old has yet to agree a contract with Bahrain-McLaren beyond the remainder of this season.

And, speaking to Eurosport's Orla Chennaoui on Sunday, Bahrain-McLaren boss Rod Ellingworth admitted that Cavendish's future at the team is far from agreed.

“We are still talking; obviously due to the situation this season, everything is happening later in the season as well,” Ellingworth said.

“So, recruitment is happening later, we are still not complete for next year. We have only recently secured finances going forward. Mark, like many other riders, will be out of contract, but discussions are going on.

Mark is getting to the age where he is probably thinking about post-cycling, and he has not had the successful season he would have hoped for.

"I have not spoken to him about that in the last few days so let’s see, but the next few weeks will be critical for all riders out of contract.”

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Cavendish is one of the most successful cyclists in the history of the sport, with 48 Grand Tour stage wins to his name, including 30 at the Tour de France, putting him second to Eddy Merckx on the all-time list for total TDF stage wins.

The sprinter has a host of other road cycling honours to his name, including a World Championship rainbow jersey and a Monument win at Milan San-Remo.

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