Mark Cavendish meets with GB coaches to declare availability for Olympic Games
Mark Cavendish reportedly formally declares his availability for selection to Great Britain's Olympic track cycling squad
![](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/fXFcMqiY5ftuPPR9jXihbY-415-80.jpg)
Mark Cavendish after crashing in the Madison, Track World Championships 2016
Mark Cavendish is leaving his Olympic Games fate in the hands of the Great Britain coaching staff after reportedly formally declaring his availability at a meeting in Italy.
According to the Guardian's William Fotheringham, Cavendish met with British Cycling technical director Shane Sutton and other coaches to discuss his performances at the UCI Track World Championships in London.
Here, Cavendish reportedly said he would still like to be considered to ride the omnium in Rio, despite finishing out of the medals in the Worlds.
“We told him to go away and think about whether he wanted to put himself up for selection,” Sutton told the Guardian. “He got up to the bronze medal position at one point in the omnium [in London] and given he finished top five in the worlds he wants to put himself forward.”
To be selected for the omnium, though, Cavendish will have to prove his credentials in the team pursuit, for which he would have to serve as the fifth rider.
Sutton says Cavendish has pledged to spend time in a wind tunnel to work on his aero position for the endurance events.
“He feels he has more to come in those, it’s a matter of time spent on the tri-bars. He’s committed to come into the track as much as possible and I’m confident we’ll get what we want from him. I’m sure we’ll get a fit Mark Cavendish for the Games.”
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
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
Stuart Clarke is a News Associates trained journalist who has worked for the likes of the British Olympic Associate, British Rowing and the England and Wales Cricket Board, and of course Cycling Weekly. His work at Cycling Weekly has focused upon professional racing, following the World Tour races and its characters.
-
'I'm definitely pushing over 2,500 watts' - Meet the most powerful cyclists in the GB Olympics squad
Move over track sprinters, there are stronger legs in town
By Tom Davidson Published
-
Team USA aims for 7-10 cycling medals at Paris Olympics, here are the top American contenders to watch
Chloe Dygert, Jennifer Valente, and Hannah Roberts among top contenders to contribute to the medal count
By Anne-Marije Rook 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
-
'There aren't many accolades left for him to get': Mark Cavendish knighted in King's Birthday Honours list
The sprinter follows in the wheel tracks of Bradley Wiggins and Chris Hoy
By Adam Becket Published
-
Team USA's Olympic hopes land on the shoulders of its female athletes
For the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, USA Cycling has set the ambitious goal of securing 7-10 medals, placing their hopes squarely on the shoulders of their female athletes.
By Anne-Marije Rook Published
-
Herne Hill Velodrome expecting 'smashfest' as UCI track event returns
GB athletes set to go up against local riders at South London Grand Prix this week
By Tom Davidson Published
-
British Cycling's future secured by 'game-changing' title sponsor deal with Lloyds Bank
The 'landmark' partnership will see the bank sponsor the Tours of Britain and be present on GB's cycling kit
By Adam Becket Published
-
British Cycling targeted by anti-Shell billboards
Activists from Brandalism have replaced adverts with their own artwork across the country ahead of Shell's AGM
By Adam Becket Published
-
GB cyclist breaks gym record with mega 250kg squat
'The more I've lifted in the gym, the faster I've felt on the bike,' says new record-holder Matt Rotherham
By Tom Davidson Published
-
'It was surreal' - Mark Cavendish turns up at local Isle of Man race, finishes 29th
The Manxman, a big supporter of his home scene, pinned on race numbers last weekend
By Tom Davidson Published