Mark Cavendish to make track return at Derby Revolution round
Cavendish targets UCI ranking points in the Ominium to gain Olympic qualification for Rio 2016
- (opens in new tab)
- (opens in new tab)
- (opens in new tab)
- Sign up to our newsletter Newsletter

Mark Cavendish (Etixx- Quick-Step) is set to make his long-awaited return to the track this weekend at the Revolution Series at Derby Velodrome, as he searches for valuable UCI ranking points to gain a place at the Rio 2016 Olympics.
The Derby round of the track series is a UCI class one event, which will allow the British stars to target qualification points for their respective events. Cavendish, who hasn't ridden an Olympic track event since 2008 in Beijing, will be trying to gain points in the Ominium event and says he is excited about getting back on the boards.
>>> No happy ending for Mark Cavendish after hardest Tour de France of his life
“I’m looking forward to getting back on track and trying the Omnium,” Cavendish said.
“I’ve always maintained that my focus is my performances on the road as a professional rider for Etixx-Quick Step. However if there was any chance, however small, that I could be in a position to go for an Olympic medal in Rio then I have to keep all of my options open.
"No definitive decisions have been made yet. So I will try to do this through picking up qualification points in the Omnium fitted around my road racing schedule. The Omnium is a tough event with all the different disciplines so Derby will be a good test and we’ll see how things progress from there."
The Manxman could also feature alongside Sir Bradley Wiggins in the Madison, the first time since Beijing, with both their names down on the organiser's startlist for the event.
Riders need 90 UCI points by September 19 to race track World Cup events and British Cycling endurance Heiko Salzwedel stressed the importance of the Derby event in the build up to next year's Olympics and World Championships.
>>> Bradley Wiggins to ride opening round of Revolution Series
"The Derby Revolution event is a very important milestone in our preparations for the Olympic Games in 2016.
"We have two purposes for the event. One is of course collecting UCI points which will let our riders qualify for the World Championship in London next year, but the other is to establish a pecking order within Team GB – we’re looking to determine who is our number one rider, who is our number two rider for each event.
"The dates for the event are no coincidence, this is a chance to try out our preparations for the Games next year – it’s a trial run.”
The Derby Revolution Series round will take place between Friday, August 14 and Sunday, August 16 with full details available 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
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).
-
-
Coros Apex 2 Pro review - phenomenal battery life and finally a wrist-based HRM that works
An all-adventure Indiana Jones of a GPS watch with exceptional battery life and a host of features you may or may not find a use for in your daily regime
By David Bradford • Published
-
Faster and better wet weather grip: Goodyear launches second gen road tire range
Five years since launching its first generation road tire line, Ohio-based tire company, Goodyear, today unveiled its latest generation of road tires, said to be 35% fasters ad 19% grippier.
By Anne-Marije Rook • Published
-
Signing of Mark Cavendish leads to end of Scicon's Astana Qazaqstan sponsorship
Cavendish along with several other teammates currently wearing Oakley sunglasses during competition
By Tom Thewlis • Published
-
‘That’s not bad’ - Mark Cavendish pleased with first podium finish for Astana at UAE Tour
The British road champion recorded his best race result since joining Astana Qazaqstan
By Tom Davidson • Published
-
'Just don't wreck yourself' - Fred Wright on his GB track gamble and the Olympics
The Bahrain Victorious rider is set to compete at the European Track Championships next week
By Tom Davidson • 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
-
Inside the secret race at the Track Champions League
Cycling Weekly lifts the lid on the private points contests ridden out of the spotlight
By Tom Davidson • 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