Mark Cavendish ends season after undergoing shoulder surgery
The Etixx - Quick-Step sprinter damaged his shoulder in a crash on the sixth stage of the 2015 Tour of Britain

Mark Cavendish has been forced to end his season early after undergoing surgery on the shoulder injury he sustained after crashing into a parked car on stage six of the 2015 Tour of Britain.
The Etixx - Quick-Step man had already abandoned hope of making it to the World Championships road race next week, but still looked to ride the Abu Dhabi Tour in October.
It was likely to be his final appearance for the Belgian team as he looks set for a possible move to African team MTN-Qhubeka in 2016.
Cavendish needed the surgery, which took place in Wilmslow on Monday morning, to fix the partial tear he suffered to the AC ligament in his left shoulder, the opposite shoulder to the injury he suffered in the 2014 Tour de France.
Watch: Mark Cavendish's S-Works Venge ViAS
The recovery time required means there's no chance of the Manxman returning to action this year.
“It has been a very difficult decision,” said Cavendish on electing to go under the knife.
“However, after 10 days from the crash, I still had pain and I couldn’t lift or pull much weight. I tried to ride my bike a few days ago on the road, but I could not put any power out by pulling on the handlebars.
"The surgery was necessary to avoid any problems in the near future. I’m so disappointed to end the season like this.
"The UCI World Championships and Abu Dhabi Tour were two important objectives for the end of my season. But there’s nothing I can do now except take a period of rest, and then start with intensive rehab. I wish Etixx – Quick-Step and the British National Team all the best for the next races.”
Adam Yates was drafted into the GB line-up for Worlds road race last week after Geraint Thomas pulled out citing fatigue from his heavy racing schedule, however a replacement for Cavendish in the nine-man team has yet to be announced.
Thank you for reading 10 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
Follow on Twitter: @richwindy
Richard is digital editor of Cycling Weekly. Joining the team in 2013, Richard became editor of the website in 2014 and coordinates site content and strategy, leading the news team in coverage of the world's biggest races and working with the tech editor to deliver comprehensive buying guides, reviews, and the latest product news.
An occasional racer, Richard spends most of his time preparing for long-distance touring rides these days, or getting out to the Surrey Hills on the weekend on his Specialized Tarmac SL6 (with an obligatory pub stop of course).
-
-
Wahoo Kickr Rollr users no longer need power meters to use virtual riding apps
Wahoo Rollr users will now be able to use virtual ride software without a power meter
By Joe Baker • Published
-
The perfect blend? Repurposed Scotch whisky casks used to create bespoke bike accessory range
Scottish brand launches limited bar ends and headset caps made from cask used to age a prized 1963 Single Malt
By Luke Friend • Published
-
21 things you didn't know about Mark Cavendish
From working in a bank to breaking records on the Champs-Élysées
By Tom Thewlis • Published
-
Mark Cavendish's Astana team refutes claim it breached sunglasses contract
Team says it "fully respected" its sponsorship deal with sunglasses supplier Scicon
By Tom Davidson • Published
-
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
By Adam Becket • Published
-
Glasgow UCI World Championships bags Lidl partnership
Supermarket chain becomes official fresh food partner for the championships taking place in Glasgow in August
By Tom Thewlis • Published
-
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?
By Adam Becket • Last updated
-
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!
By Adam Becket • Last updated
-
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
By Adam Becket • Published
-
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
By Tom Davidson • Published