Mark Cavendish admits 'tactically minded' riders struggle in modern cycling - 'I would not be a professional now'
Published 14/11/2024 at 18:27 GMT
After 19 years of brilliance in cycling, Mark Cavendish brought his career to an end after winning the Tour de France Criterium in Singapore. It was an emotional day for the hugely successful sprinter, who at 39 decided it was time to hang up his bike. And he has since given his verdict on the changes in cycling, claiming physical strength is now the priority.
‘Emotional moment’ – Cavendish crowns ‘incredible career’ with win in last race
Video credit: TNT Sports
Mark Cavendish has said he would "not be a professional" if he was a young cyclist emerging in the sport today.
The 39-year-old, who ended his illustrious career with victory in the Tour de France Criterium in Singapore last weekend, said cycling has become more about physicality than strategy.
Cavendish holds the record for the most Tour de France stage wins (35) after surpassing Eddy Merckx's total in the summer.
"I would not be a professional now," he told BBC Radio 5 Live. "[But] if so many people just look at the scientific part it leaves a gap open for someone who looks tactically minded at things.
"Everything is quantifiable - the power you put out, the weight you are, and that makes it harder for someone who is tactically minded.
"Even when I was younger and not as scientific, I didn't quite 'hit the numbers', so I shouldn't be a professional.
"If so many people just look at the scientific part you can never shine through - it leaves a gap open for someone who looks tactically at things. If everyone looked tactically, it would have made my job a lot harder.
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'I couldn’t have wished for a better send-off' - Cavendish on winning 'emotional' final race
Video credit: TNT Sports
"I never neglected my physical training but it is as important to train your mind to read a situation - to look at results, look at tactics of other teams. I did that and others didn't."
Cavendish acknowledged the good fortune he had enjoyed in the latter years of his career.
"I was fortunate to get some extra years out of my career and complete cycling, I guess. The majority of athletes will never get to go out on a fairytale ending," he added.
"The people I turned pro and raced with have all retired, their sons have also retired. That makes me feel old. There is nobody competitive at this age.
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"I'm lucky I had the support of my team and family who believed in me because of my tactical side rather than the physical ability."
While Cavendish possessed an enviable burst of speed on the final straight, he was not as powerful as some sprinters.
And former Team Sky coach Rod Ellingworth, who worked alongside Cavendish, described the Manx rider as "unique".
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'We salute him!' - Historic moment Cavendish says farewell with final ride at Tour
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"Is he the most powerful? No. Not by a long way," Ellingworth told BBC Sport. "However, for his size and everything else, he can punch above his weight.
"Timing is essential, and knowing the right line to follow and the feel for the group. His actual bike-handing skills when they're going 70kph and his vision of where he needs to be - all that combines really well.
"He sees it in slow motion. He sees all the detail and it's quite unique."
Cavendish finished his 19-year career with a total of 165 race wins, which included 17 stages in the Giro d'Italia and three in the Vuelta a Espana.
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