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.
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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.
