Mark Cavendish abandons Paris-Nice whilst still working towards full fitness following virus
The Manxman was forced to stop after a 'challenging two days'
Mark Cavendish abandoned Paris-Nice during Monday's 163 kilometre stage two, with his Dimension Data team citing a 'challenging two days' and a need to 'work his way back towards full fitness' as the motivation.
The 33-year-old has been rebuilding his form after an enforced break from training and racing, following diagnosis of the Epstein-Barr virus, which causes glandular fever.
Cavendish's team mate Louis Meintjes was also forced to abandon the eight stage race in France, following a crash on a roundabout at the 73 kilometre mark.
In a statement released by Team Dimension Data, directeur sportif Rolf Aldag said: “Mark Cavendish was also forced to stop on the back of a challenging two days.
"The race was just his third back, following already tough outings at the Vuelta a San Juan and the UAE Tour; as he continues to work his way back towards full fitness following a long lay-off from racing due to illness last year.”
The illness forced Cavendish to stop racing and training after the Tour de France in 2018, he was affected by the same virus for two years.
At the UAE Tour, Cavendish was clear that he was there to perform a team role, with no expectations of sprint success - commenting: “Obviously with the sprints, I’ll see what I can do but we are here for the GC and we are here to get our three guys in the top-20, that’s it.”
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
“I’ll try my best. The efforts here will hopefully help get that top-end back and we’ll see what happens from there.”
Today's Paris-Nice stage, won by Dylan Groenewegen (Jumbo-Visma), was enlivened by strong winds and "littered with crashes."
Following his race ending crash, Meintjes said: “The racing was on and I went through a roundabout and I guess I misjudged it a bit. It’s pretty painful and I lost a bit of skin, it doesn’t feel like anything’s broken but we’ll have to go to the hospital for a check-up.”
Aldag added: "He [Meintjes] managed to get back up and riding but lost too much time and was eventually out of the time limit. He was assessed by our team doctor at the finish and will go to hospital for a further check on Monday evening."
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
Michelle Arthurs-Brennan the Editor of Cycling Weekly website. An NCTJ qualified traditional journalist by trade, Michelle began her career working for local newspapers. She's worked within the cycling industry since 2012, and joined the Cycling Weekly team in 2017, having previously been Editor at Total Women's Cycling. Prior to welcoming her daughter in 2022, Michelle raced on the road, track, and in time trials, and still rides as much as she can - albeit a fair proportion indoors, for now.
-
I’m a fat cyclist; these are the top 3 misconceptions people have about bigger riders and why they’re wrong
After my recent 'We're fat cyclists' reel went viral, I realized I had hit a nerve
By Marley Blonsky Published
-
8 pro mechanic set-up hacks inspired by the Spring Classics
Riding the rough stuff? Glen Whittington, our resident pro mechanic, ramps up speed and comfort with hacks from the cobbled classics
By Glen Whittington Published
-
Matteo Jorgenson seals American dream with overall victory at Paris-Nice
Remco Evenepoel wins eighth and final stage in rain-soaked 'Race to the Sun'
By Tom Davidson Published
-
'That was fun, just like juniors' - Brandon McNulty on riding back into yellow at Paris-Nice with Matteo Jorgenson
American pair now sit one-two on general classification at Paris-Nice, which hasn't been won by an American in 18 years
By Adam Becket Published
-
Mattias Skjelmose escapes to victory on stage six of Paris-Nice as Brandon McNulty reclaims yellow
Dane wins from McNulty and Matteo Jorgenson, as favourites lose time
By Adam Becket Published
-
Olav Kooij wins again at Paris-Nice in bunch sprint on stage five
Dutchman rounds Mads Pedersen in final 50 metres to take win
By Adam Becket Published
-
Santiago Buitrago flies to victory on stage four of Paris-Nice as Luke Plapp claims yellow
Mont Brouilly could prove decisive in overall battle in the Race to the Sun
By Adam Becket Published
-
'All the conditions are met, then it's questioned again' - Visma-Lease a Bike bemoan UCI review after 'a lot of money' spent on development of Giro helmet
Team reacts to governing body statement on Tuesday, day after new helmet was debuted
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
'We were lucky with the weather': Brandon McNulty admits rain helped UAE Emirates edge Paris-Nice stage three team time trial
American pulled on the yellow jersey after a rain soaked finale to stage three in Auxerre
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
UAE Team Emirates power to team time trial victory on stage three of Paris-Nice
Team take advantage of more clement weather to put Finn Fisher-Black into yellow jersey
By Adam Becket Published