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 5 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).
-
-
Same teams, new faces: Murphy, Langley crowned US national road racing champions
Full team effort from Human Powered Health rewarded with national title for Kyle Murphy; Emma Langley (EF Education-Tibco SVB) drops breakaway companion for her Stars & Stripes jersey
By Clara Beard • Published
-
'Can you imagine winning a 35th Tour de France stage in the British champion's jersey?' asks Mark Cavendish, admitting Tour ride is 'unlikely'
The Manx Missile said 'I'm good enough to do the Tour'
By Michelle Arthurs-Brennan • Published
-
Mark Cavendish confident of strong Giro d'Italia but attempts to manage expectations: 'People seem to forget I had a punctured lung at the end of November'
The Manxman seemed motivated in the press conference as he returns to the Italian Grand Tour after a nine-year hiatus
By Ryan Dabbs • Published
-
Mark Cavendish frustrated on final Tour of Oman stage as Jan Hirt wins overall
Sprinter boxed out on stage six finish, as Fernando Gaviria triumphs
By Ryan Dabbs • Published
-
Mark Cavendish loses green jersey and fined at Tour of Oman ahead of stage six
Quick-Step Alpha Vinyl penalised by race jury for being pushed back to peloton by car
By Adam Becket • Published
-
Mark Cavendish crashes 'quite heavily' on stage five of Tour of Oman
Jan Hirt takes stage win and race lead atop Green Mountain on the penultimate day
By Adam Becket • Published
-
Mark Cavendish raring to get 2022 campaign underway at Tour of Oman: 'It doesn't matter how you're going until you compare yourself with the other people'
Cavendish starts his 2022 campaign at the the Tour of Oman on Thursday
By Ryan Dabbs • Published
-
Mark Cavendish set to return from Ghent Six crash with season debut at Tour of Oman
Cavendish has recovered from the two broken ribs and punctured lung he suffered at the end of November to lead Quick-Step Alpha Vinyl in Oman
By Ryan Dabbs • Published
-
Police search for two men in connection to Mark Cavendish aggravated burglary case
Police have asked people to come forward if they know their whereabouts
By Jonny Long • Published
-
Man charged with robbery at Mark Cavendish's house
A 30-year-old will appear in court today after armed men broke into the cyclist's home last month
By Ryan Dabbs • Published