Mark Cavendish unsure on Tour de France 2022 route: 'There aren’t as many chances for the fast men'
The joint-record Tour de France stage winner would grab his 35th with victory in 2022, surpassing Eddy Merckx

Mark Cavendish has suggested that sprinters won't have many opportunities to win at the 2022 Tour de France, after the full route was revealed today.
Cavendish, who earlier this year matched Eddy Merckx's record of 34 Tour de France stage victories, could become the most successful Tour de France stage rider ever if he wins again in 2022. However, while the 36-year-old highlights the nostalgia of starting in Copenhagen following his 2011 World Championship win, the Briton understands that the entire route makes it difficult for fast men to grab a win.
“It’s going to be a very hard Tour de France," Cavendish said. "Of course, starting from Copenhagen, where I became World Champion, brings back a lot of great memories, but those first days after the time trial could be really hectic.
"There aren’t as many chances for the fast men as in the past, so you’ll need to try to make the most out of every opportunity.”
Despite winning four stages at the 2021 Tour de France, Cavendish shared that the Tour, which features the Grand Départ in Denmark, a cobbled stage, and an Alpe d'Huez summit finish, might prove difficult in producing another stage win.
Cavendish's Deceuninck-Quick-Step team-mate and world champion Julian Alaphilippe is also expecting a tough race, though the Frenchman is clearly looking forward to the event.
“I can’t wait to discover the parcours," said Alaphilippe, "and I'm already excited for the recon of some of the stages, as there are a couple of opportunities for the puncheurs.
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
"What I can already tell you is that the echelons and cobblestones will make for a nice and spectacular first week. I have a special relationship with the Tour de France and I’m happy to be back at the start with the rainbow jersey on my shoulders. I want to honour it again, give my best and get to enjoy another beautiful Tour de France with the team.”
The Frenchman became the first rider from his country to win stages at four consecutive Tour de France editions in more than three decades, and is clearly relishing the opportunity to add to his tally. Kasper Asgreen, also of Deceuninck-Quick-Step, is also excited at the prospect of the 2022 Tour, especially starting in Denmark.
“I’m super excited to be starting from Denmark," said Asgreen. "I knew the route there a bit and I’m looking forward to the ITT on stage one. Stage three will pass just 100 meters from my front door and this alone makes me happy.
"Once we move to France, we’ll have some hard stages, with hills and the cobbles of Roubaix. Overall, it’s a tough course, but I can’t wait for it."
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
Ryan is a staff writer for Cycling Weekly, having joined the team in September 2021. He first joined Future in December 2020, working across FourFourTwo, Golf Monthly, Rugby World and Advnture's websites, before making his way to cycling. After graduating from Cardiff University with a degree in Journalism and Communications, Ryan earned a NCTJ qualification to further develop as a writer.
-
Fara F/Gravel Bike review: comfortable, versatile, with a good turn of speed
A rugged, trail-ready carbon gravel bike that can be as adventurous as you want it to be
By Hannah Bussey Published
-
Car drives towards peloton leading to pile-up in French stage race
Pre-race favourite Maxim van Gils taken to hospital after crash at Étoile de Bessèges
By Tom Davidson Published
-
'A stage win in the Tour de France really changed my profile': Steve Cummings on working as a chef, idolising Michele Bartoli, and playing football like Trent Alexander-Arnold
Jayco-AlUla Sports Director discusses his most significant career victory and how he got into cycling
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Cycling coverage is getting much more expensive in the UK – tell us what you think
Eurosport is closing down in the UK and there will be no more free-to-air Tour de Franc