When Colombian sprint sensation Fernando Gaviria announced he would be signing for Etixx-Quick-Step earlier in the season it was rumoured that it would end Mark Cavendish's tenure at the team.
But with Gaviria joining as a stagiaire for the rest of the season and Cavendish reportedly negotiating a new contract, the pair could be working side by side next season.
Their relationship begins on Sunday when Gaviria makes his Etixx debut at the RideLondon-Surrey Classic in a six-man team that also includes Cavendish.
“It’s always special for me to race back in Britain," Cavendish said. "The home fans, and the noise they make supporting us, makes this race even more enjoyable to ride than a lot of races. It is a truly iconic finish, which the riders, teams and fans love too.
“For a British rider this is one piece of road that stirs great emotion for sure. Etixx-Quick Step also have an exciting young sprinter Gaviria racing who has a big future in the sport. Keep an eye out for him. The team and I are looking forward to hearing that roadside noise again.”
Gaviria beat Cavendish to the line on two stages of the season-opening Tour de San Luis but it will likely be the Manxman who will be gunning for victory in London.
He will be led out as usual by Mark Renshaw, while Iljo Keisse, Yves Lampaert and Fabio Sabatini round out the squad.
Check out Mark Cavendish's Tour de France bike
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
-
-
Indoor training competition shrinks as Wahoo closes down RGT and gives some users Zwift subscription
The American tech company's free virtual riding software is to be shut down at the end of October, with attention turning to structured workouts
-
Is cycling the answer to men's loneliness epidemic?
Too many men have too few friends, and it’s having disastrous effects on our mental health. Rob Kemp breaks the taboo on friendlessness and explores how to forge new connections through cycling
-
Further suspect arrested and charged over knife-point robbery of Mark Cavendish and family
26-year-old Jo Jobson charged with two counts of robbery for his part in break in at Cavendish’s home
-
21 things you didn't know about Mark Cavendish
From working in a bank to breaking records on the Champs-Élysées
-
Mark Cavendish's Astana team refutes claim it breached sunglasses contract
Team says it "fully respected" its sponsorship deal with sunglasses supplier Scicon
-
Mark Cavendish buys second guard dog for £20,000 after knife point raid
Peta Cavendish said family home had become a reminder of "threat and fear" after home invasion robbery in 2021
-
In photos: Mark Cavendish through the years, all his teams and the kit he's worn
18 years, six teams, 161 wins. Will 2023 be a last hurrah for the British champion?
-
CW Live: Mark Cavendish to start season at Oman; Giro wildcards unveiled; UCI updates Covid rules; Amsterdam builds underwater garage for 7,000 bikes; Cavendish family 'terrorised' by robbery; and LTNs do not push traffic onto boundary roads
All the news you need in the world of cycling this Thursday. It's cold!
-
Last chance saloon: Why has Mark Cavendish ended up at Astana? And will it work?
The British champion has joined the sixth different team of his professional career in the hunt for one more Tour de France stage win
-
Mark Cavendish signs for Astana-Qazaqstan and will remain on the WorldTour for 2023
The transfer saga is over, Mark Cavendish has officially found a team, and will chase the Tour de France stage win record
