Mark Cavendish set to start Tirreno-Adriatico and Milan-San Remo after Abu Dhabi concussion
Dimension Data sprinter set to return to training after concussion
Mark Cavendish looks set to return to action in time for Tirreno-Adriatico (March 7-13) and Milan-San Remo (March 17) as he recovers from concussion sustained in a crash at the Abu Dhabi Tour.
The Manx sprinter fell in the neutralised section prior to the start of the opening stage of the Abu Dhabi Tour, hitting the deck with a few other riders after an official car braked suddenly in front of the peloton, which race organisers blamed on the car's automatic braking system.
Cavendish was taken to hospital after the crash where he was diagnosed with concussion and whiplash, staying in the Middle East until Saturday when he was well enough to fly home.
Dimension Data sports director Rofl Aldag said that the team would be taking a cautious approach to Cavendish's recovery, but he should return to full training in the coming days.
Watch: 2018 WorldTour bikes guide
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_AntnS1WXA4
"On Saturday he got the green light [to fly home] from the doctor," Aldag told the Belga news agency.
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
"He no longer had a headache and was allowed to board the plane. With a concussion you have to be careful, you can not resume your normal life too quickly. Now he has left for home. There he can rest and fully recover.
"I expect he can train again on Monday, a little bit on on the rollers or maybe on the road. But he cannot resume too early either."
Cavendish has raced in every edition of Tirreno-Adriatico since 2008, picking up three stage wins in the process in an event that he generally uses as preparation for Milan-San Remo, which takes place a few days later.
The 32-year-old sprinter took victory in San Remo in 2009 and has twice since finished in the top 10, but has not finished in the front group of the race in its three most recent editions.
Thank you for reading 20 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
Henry Robertshaw began his time at Cycling Weekly working with the tech team, writing reviews, buying guides and appearing in videos advising on how to dress for the seasons. He later moved over to the news team, where his work focused on the professional peloton as well as legislation and provision for cycling. He's since moved his career in a new direction, with a role at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.
-
56% unpaved, 44% paved and plenty of pitchy climbs: the 2024 UCI Gravel World Championships race course revealed
Come October, rainbow jersey hopefuls will tackle a Classics-like course in woodsy Flemish Brabant.
By Anne-Marije Rook Published
-
Tour of Britain uncertainty stalls RideLondon Classique expansion plan
Organiser planned to add extra stage to this year's race, but question marks over the Tour of Britain Women has meant plans have been cancelled
By Jeremy Whittle Published
-
Mathieu van der Poel not intimidated by Tadej Pogačar’s form ahead of Milan-San Remo clash
Dutchman starts his 2024 road season at Italian Monument on Saturday
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Tom Pidcock 'wouldn’t be surprised' to see attacks before the Poggio at Milan-San Remo
British rider will lead the line for Ineos Grenadiers alongside Filippo Ganna
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Jonas Vingegaard wins Tirreno-Adriatico as Jonathan Milan dashes to victory on final day
Dane continues perfect season towards Tour de France
By Tom Davidson Published
-
Jonathan Milan wins from gruelling bunch sprint on stage four of Tirreno-Adriatico
Italian pips Jasper Philipsen on the line to take the race lead
By Tom Davidson Published
-
Jasper Philipsen opens season account with victory on stage two of Tirreno-Adriatico
"Sprinting is my talent," says Belgian after comfortable win in Follonica
By Tom Davidson Published
-
Primož Roglič’s debut and an explosive Jonas Vingegaard: Seven things to look out for at Paris-Nice and Tirreno-Adriatico
The two stage races should provide plenty of narratives next week
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Everything you need for Tirreno-Adriatico: Key information, route, start list and riders to watch
The Italian stage race returns, with Jonas Vingegaard set to battle it out across the hilly days
By Adam Becket Published
-
Astana go all in on Cavendish in his final season, but will the confidence pay off?
The Kazakh team have bet big on the 38-year-old sprinter. Both they and Cavendish need 2024 to work
By Adam Becket Published