Motorbikes influencing races a 'big problem' for cycling, says Mark Cavendish
Cavendish weighs in to moto debate ahead of Tour of California
Mark Cavendish (Dimension Data) claims that race motorbikes have become a “big problem” in cycling and are increasingly affecting stage outcomes and results.
Speaking at a Tour of California press conference in Long Beach, California, Cavendish quietly weighed in on what has become a topical issue within the sport.
The 32-year-old used his stage four showing at the 2016 edition of this race, in which he was part of an escape that ultimately didn’t survive en route to Laguna Seca, as an example.
“To be honest I had a word with the commissaire that year because the motorbikes influenced why the break didn’t stay away,” he recalled.
“It’s kind of a big problem in cycling, not this race but just in cycling now. Motorbikes are influencing quite a big part of the race. I hope that doesn’t happen.”
Cavendish echoed sentiment of his former Quick-Step Floors boss, Patrick Lefevere and others that have decried the apparent influence.
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
After Amstel Gold Race last month Lefevere said he would write to UCI president David Lappartient following one of the few of spring Classics his team didn’t triumph in.
There he reportedly told Belgian press that the escape was able to ride in the slipstream of race motos, forcing Pieter Serry to overexert himself in the chase group.
>>> Quick-Step boss slams effect of motorbikes in races as 'outrageous' after Amstel Gold Race
“I don’t want to come across as a bad loser, but the role of motorbikes in the race is really scandalous,” Lefevere said. “That applies to other races as well as this edition of Amstel.”
The UCI last year issued revised guidelines for race convoy vehicles, predominately in response to issues and incidents surrounding rider safety, over perceived, inadvertent tactical advantages.
Cavendish will continue his comeback from a so far largely crash-marred season in California. The Manxman specifically outlined his intent on the final stage in Sacramento, a place that traditionally has been happy hunting ground for him.
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
Sophie Smith is an Australian journalist, broadcaster and author of Pain & Privilege: Inside Le Tour. She follows the WorldTour circuit, working for British, Australian and US press, and has covered 10 Tours de France.
-
Why are more UK cyclists killed on rural lanes than on busy city streets?
More UK cyclists are killed on rural lanes than on busy city streets. Rob Kemp investigates why and what can be done to keep us safe while riding in the countryside
By Rob Kemp Published
-
400km a day for a month: Lachlan Morton sets "mind blowing" round-Australia record
EF Education rider completes astounding feat to reduce the record by nearly 25%
By James Shrubsall Published
-
Mark Cavendish set to end his career at Tour de France Singapore Criterium
Event will be Cavendish's final appearance for Astana Qazaqstan after he won a record-breaking 35th Tour de France stage in July
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
'I've lived everyone’s dream': Mark Cavendish hints at snap retirement after last ever Tour de France stage
The Manx Missile is the 2024 Tour's lanterne rouge
By Chris Marshall-Bell Published
-
'I'm so tired': Emotional Mark Cavendish thanks teammates after surviving Tour de France time cut
The Briton is just two days away from finishing the Tour de France for an eighth time
By Chris Marshall-Bell Published
-
Mark Cavendish makes time limit on stage 19 - and four other tales of riders who survived the Tour de France cut-off
Brit finishes with more than five minutes to spare on Isola 2000
By Tom Davidson Published
-
End of an era: Witnessing Mark Cavendish's last ever Tour de France sprint
The Astana Qazaqstan rider finished 17th in Nîmes in what is almost definitely his last ever sprint at the Tour. Cycling Weekly was there to see it
By Adam Becket Published
-
Mark Cavendish 'upset and angry' after being relegated for 'deviation' on Tour de France stage 12
The Astana-Qazaqstan rider originally finished fifth, before being relegated
By Adam Becket Published
-
Rod Ellingworth 'totally open' to Mark Cavendish making Tour of Britain appearance
'There will always be a place for Mark' says race director after Cavendish’s Tour de France record breaking triumph in Saint-Vulbas
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Mark Cavendish says he has 'one' opportunity left to take another Tour de France stage win
The Manxman was left frustrated after finishing 18th on stage 10
By Adam Becket Published