Mark Cavendish’s chances of riding Olympics are diminishing, says British Cycling coach
The British sprint star is running out of time to qualify
- (opens in new tab)
- (opens in new tab)
- (opens in new tab)
- Sign up to our newsletter Newsletter

Mark Cavendish’s chances of making it to the Olympics are diminishing, according to the head coach at British Cycling.
British sprinter Cavendish has made a return to the track this winter, competing in the London and Ghent Six Day events, but has been coy when asked whether he hopes to fight for gold in Tokyo next season.
But with the Olympics just eight months away, Cavendish is running out of time to qualify.
In an interview with the BBC, (opens in new tab) British Cycling head coach Iain Dyer said: "Opportunities are flying by which makes that increasingly difficult. You don't do a madison on your own, so while it is still logistically a possibility the chances would appear to be diminishing at this point."
Cavendish, 34, has a silver medal from the Omnium at the 2016 Rio games, when he missed out to Italian rival Elia Viviani.
Viviani has been progressing quickly on the track this winter, winning the elimination race at the European Track Championships in October.
Further motivation for Cavendish to ride the Olympics is the return of the Madison to the games, a discipline the Manxman has previously won at World Championship level on multiple occasions.
In September, Cycling Weekly asked Cavendish if he hoped to qualify for Tokyo, but he said “I’m going to focus on what I’m doing right now and see what comes from that.”
But Cavendish, who is joining Bahrain-Merida on the road next season, needs 250 points to qualify so he will have to start racing World Cup events or the World Championships to be in with a chance.
He will also need to overcome the fact that he is a specialist in the Madison and Omnium, but is not a team pursuiter, which makes him less versatile than some of his competition.
>>> Bahrain-Merida confirm new team name for 2020
Dyer said: “You still want to have five that can rider in the team pursuit, so to have someone who is solely a Madison specialist in there and doesn’t have any other availability isn’t the perfect scenario.”
He added: “The door is open, but it’s extremely challenging to carve out an opportunity.”
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.
-
-
Analysis: How Mathieu van der Poel won Milan-San Remo
After another exhilarating finish to Milan-San Remo, it’s time to look back at the day and the key tactical moments that defined it
By CyclingMole aka David Hunter • Published
-
Saved by a doping test: The pro rider treated for cancer after abnormal blood result
When his team doctor called about an abnormal test result, Torstein Træen could not believe what was happening – but it would turn out to be a potentially life-saving red flag
By Chris Marshall-Bell • 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
-
'Chris Hoy said the British coaches may be kicking themselves’ - Britain’s lost track cycling champion
British-born Australian Matthew Richardson has fast become one of the world's best track sprinters
By Tom Davidson • Published