Mark Cavendish and Ian Stannard spotted training together ahead of National Championships
Mark Cavendish, Ben Swift, Ian Stannard and Steve Cummings were all seen riding together near to Ballaugh Bridge - Photos by Andy Jones
With selection for the Tour de France not guaranteed and potentially dependent on his performance in Sunday's British National Championships road race, Mark Cavendish has been riding the roads of his home island, the Isle of Man.
The Dimension Data rider was spotted on Friday morning at Ballaugh Bridge riding alongside his teammate Steve Cummings - the winner of Thursday evening's National Championships time trial - Ben Swift (UAE-Emirates) and Ian Stannard (Team Sky).
Cavendish returned to racing at the Tour of Slovenia last week after a three-month absence because of glandular fever. He finished second on the fourth and final stage.
>>> Seven things to look out for at the British National Championships
Dimension Data have previously said that Cavendish might not make their Tour squad because of his lack of racing and his condition being largely unknown.
Roger Hammond, his DS, told Cycling Weekly on Thursday that he knew just as much about Cavendish's condition as the public did.
The Manx Missile is hoping to win his second red, white and blue stripes in the Isle of Man on Sunday. The men complete two laps of the island's famed TT circuit before riding 10 times around a lumpy criterium-like circuit in Douglas.
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
Swift, who came second on Alpe d'Huez at the Critérium du Dauphiné earlier this month behind Pete Kennaugh (Team Sky), is the favourite for the race.
Cummings, who beat Alex Dowsett (Movistar) to the time trial title by just eight seconds, is also being hotly-tipped for the road race title and to complete the double.
Stannard, meanwhile, is out to bounce back from his omission from Sky's Tour de France squad
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
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).
-
8 odd, quirky and cool tech innovations spotted at the Sea Otter Classic
A kevlar wheel, an unusual aero bike, solid helmet straps, a bike made from recycled plastic bike, and more - 8 odd, quirky and cool tech innovations spotted at the Sea Otter Classic
By Daniel Palma Published
-
Cycling training plans: 10 week plans for beginners, intermediates and racers
Get into cycling, get fitter, or ride faster with our cycling training plans
By Anna Marie Abram Published
-
Mark Cavendish to miss Scheldeprijs as illness continues to affect schedule
Cavendish will ride Presidential Cycling Tour of Türkiye later this month, Astana Qazaqstan confirms
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
British National Road Championships return to Saltburn in 2024
The events will take place in the north east of England for the second year running
By Tom Davidson Published
-
Astana go all in on Cavendish in his final season, but will the confidence pay off?
The Kazakh team have bet big on the 38-year-old sprinter. Both they and Cavendish need 2024 to work
By Adam Becket Published
-
Mark Cavendish wins his first race in final season after perfect leadout in Tour Colombia
The Briton fended off the challenge of home rider Fernando Gaviria on stage four of the Tour Colombia
By Chris Marshall-Bell Published
-
Mark Cavendish forced to settle for third in 2024 season opener in Colombia
Astana Qazaqstan rider says Tour Colombia stage one result ‘best debut race for a few years’
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Mark Cavendish seeking aerobic gains at altitude before focusing on high intensity work ahead of new season
Astana head coach Vasilis Anastopoulos: ‘Cavendish is currently doing lots of hours in the saddle and only short sessions of more intensive work’
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Mark Cavendish: Altitude training is essential in order to stay at the top of modern cycling
British sprinter will start 2024 season at Tour Colombia in February and will also include two altitude camps in plan
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Mark Cavendish reveals details of first race in 2024
Astana Qazaqstan rider will line up at the Tour Colombia after altitude camp in country
By Tom Thewlis Published