Mark Cavendish: 'My confidence is coming back'
The Brit extended his overall lead in the Tour of Turkey with a second stage win
- (opens in new tab)
- (opens in new tab)
- (opens in new tab)
- Sign up to our newsletter Newsletter

Mark Cavendish said his confidence continues to grow as he took a second consecutive victory in the Tour of Turkey.
The Deceuninck - Quick-Step sprinter returned to winning form with a hugely popular victory on stage two of the eight-stage race in Turkey, following up with another outstanding performance to win stage three.
Cavendish, 35, is on a one-year contract with his old squad Deceuninck and hoped to find the top step of the podium at least once this season, having last won a race three years ago.
Speaking after his second victory of 2021, Cavendish said: “My confidence is still coming back and today I had more than yesterday and knew I could fight again for the victory. It was a difficult finish over the urban cobbles and with that treacherous wind, but we wanted to control the sprint ourselves.”
Cavendish took his second stage win after making it through a tough day of climbing in Turkey, with the stage ending in a chaotic bunch sprint.
Launching his sprint 150 metres from the line, Cavendish was able to convincingly beat rivals Jasper Philipsen (Alpecin-Fenix) and Andre Greipel (Israel Start-Up Nation), winning by a bike length over his nearest rival.
After the stage, the Manxman paid tribute to team-mate Iljo Keisse, Shane Archbold, Stijn Steels and Fabio Jakobsen.
He said: “Iljo was again incredible and what he did motivated us for the finale, where we were all together. Fabio also worked hard and it was nice to see him at the sharp end of a bike race, Shane and Stijn rode a lot in the wind, while Alvaro was there for me under the flamme rouge.”
Cavendish also extended his overall lead in the Tour of Turkey, having last claimed back to back stages six years ago in the Tour of California.
>>> Patrick Lefevere: ‘If I thought Mark Cavendish was done, I would not have taken him back’
The winner of 30 Tour de France stages said: “The fact that I won again gives me a lot of confidence, especially as it’s for the first time in five years or so that I’ve claimed back-to-back stages in a race.
“Doing it in the leader’s jersey makes it even more special. We’re happy and we’ll continue to enjoy ourselves here.”
Thank you for reading 10 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
Alex Ballinger is editor of BikeBiz magazine, the leading publication for the UK cycle industry, and is the former digital news editor for CyclingWeekly.com. After gaining experience in local newsrooms, national newspapers and in digital journalism, Alex found his calling in cycling, first as a reporter, then as news editor responsible for Cycling Weekly's online news output, and now as the editor of BikeBiz. Since pro cycling first captured his heart during the 2010 Tour de France (specifically the Contador-Schleck battle) Alex covered three Tours de France, multiple editions of the Tour of Britain, and the World Championships, while both writing and video presenting for Cycling Weekly. He also specialises in fitness writing, often throwing himself into the deep end to help readers improve their own power numbers. Away from the desk, Alex can be found racing time trials, riding BMX and mountain bikes, or exploring off-road on his gravel bike. He’s also an avid gamer, and can usually be found buried in an eclectic selection of books.
-
-
Rider hangs from bridge after huge pile-up at Etoile de Bessèges, stage neutralised
Valentin Ferron escapes with minor injuries as others taken to hospital
By Vern Pitt • Published
-
Giulio Ciccone takes Vuelta Valenciana stage 2 and GC lead
Italian has a handful of seconds over his rivals
By Vern Pitt • Published
-
Speed Demons of the peloton: The six best sprinters of 2022
We take a look at the standout performers of the fast men and women in the professional scene this year
By Tom Thewlis • Published
-
Where next for Mark Cavendish after B & B Hotels-KTM's collapse?
We look at where the ‘Manx Missile’ could find himself next after the collapse of B & B Hotels-KTM
By Tom Thewlis • Published
-
British UCI Continental team makes pitch for Mark Cavendish’s signature
Saint Piran boss Ricci Pascoe says he would gladly provide a short term place for Cavendish, if it helped him to achieve Tour de France dream
By Tom Thewlis • Published
-
B&B Hotels, the team that was set to sign Mark Cavendish, collapses
Multiple riders left scrambling to find places on alternative teams after demise of French ProTeam confirmed
By Tom Thewlis • Published
-
B&B Hôtels boss: 'Mark Cavendish wants to be with us. I want him to be with us.'
Team's hunt for sponsors intensifies after missing UCI registration deadline
By Tom Davidson • Published
-
Time running out for B & B Hotels, the team expected to sign Mark Cavendish
Team still without major sponsors as UCI impose deadline of 22 November for team to complete registration for new season
By Tom Thewlis • Published
-
Movistar quick to quash Mark Cavendish signing report
Italian press speculation over future of sprinter denied by Spanish team
By Adam Becket • Published
-
Mark Cavendish: Tour de France 2023 has 'ample opportunities for bunch sprints'
Fast man thinks there might be seven or eight sprint chances, but he has to find a team first
By Adam Becket • Published