Cavendish confirms Commonwealth Games participation

Mark Cavendish has confirmed that he won't be taking part in Paris-Tours, the last great sprinters' classic of the season, with the Commonwealth Games road-race on October 10 in New Delhi, India, bringing down the curtain on his season.

"I would like to do Paris-Tours, but coming back and racing there one week after doing the World Championships in Australia just isn't possible," Cavendish said after winning his third Vuelta a Espana stage on Thursday.

"Delhi is on the way home, though, so it all fits in and I'll do the road-race at the Commonwealth Games."

Cavendish said participating for the Isle of Man at the Games would give him extra motivation.

"There's a great group of guys riding for the Isle of Man and it's not often you get to ride in that jersey. I'm looking forward to that."

Cavendish took a gold in the men's track cycling scratch event in the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne 2006, one of two medals won by the Isle of Man that year in the Games - the other was a bronze in skeet shooting.

Cavendish's gold was the Isle of Man's first in the Games in 20 years and their ninth medal since the Games first began back in Cardiff in 1958.

One rider who will not be taking part in the Commonwealth Games is Australia's Richie Porte. Saxo Bank have told Porte he will have to participate in the Giro di Piamonte and Tour of Lombardy as a support rider for Andy Schleck.

Related links

Another stage win puts green jersey in reach for Cavendish

Mark Cavendish: Rider Profile