Tour of Turkey 2021 - Mark Cavendish 'still has what it takes', Deceuninck boss Patrick Lefevere

Updated 13/04/2021 at 12:36 GMT

Mark Cavendish 's future looked in serious doubt before he was offered a one-year deal by Deceuninck-QuickStep boss Patrick Lefevere. Now, he's back at the top after winning Stages 2 and 3 of the Tour of Turkey with two vintage sprint finishes, and Lefevere is full of praise for the man he helped bring back to the top of the sport.

'He's back!' - Watch Cavendish seal back-to-back wins in Turkey

Deceuninck-QuickStep boss Patrick Lefevere says Mark Cavendish "still has it" after the Brit returned to form in stunning fashion at the Tour of Turkey.

Cavendish's future looked in serious doubt last year but Lefevere stepped in with a one-year deal with Deceuninck QuickStep that has seen Cavendish back on the podium with his first wins since 2018.

The 30-time Tour de France stage winner leads the pack in the Tour of Turkey after two vintage performances on Stages 2 and 3.

Cycling

Cavendish set to return from illness at Tour of Turkey as Tour de France preparation continues

18/04/2024 at 08:42

And Lefevere was quick to praise Cavendish's character and drive.

“I’m very proud and happy,” an emotional Lefevere told Cyclingnews after Stage 2.

'Fabulous' - Cavendish storms to victory at Tour of Turkey

“When I saw him back in December, he was like a kid racing his first bike again. He told me all the stories about what went wrong over the last few years. But Mark and I, without much words, have an emotional connection.

"I believed in him. I wasn’t sure if he could totally come back, but people that know me will understand that he’s made me really happy today. I love people who can talk but what I love most of all are riders who let their pedals do their talking, and today Mark let his pedals do the talking. That’s the best answer ever.

"What I saw in the last 50 metres today showed us that he still has it," Lefevere added.