Mark Cavendish is looking to build on a “fairytale” return to the top echelon of cycling, but is unsure if it will be at Deceuninck-QuickStep.
The Manxman’s career at the top level appeared over as he struggled to regain his form following illness.
He did not have a team for 2021, and was contemplating retirement, but Cavendish agreed a deal with Deceuninck and rode himself into form.
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Cavendish rolled back the years at the Tour de France, winning the green jersey and four stages to draw level with Eddy Merckx at the top of the all-time standings.
His exploits on the roads of France have raised Cavendish’s confidence levels, and he is looking to improve in 2022 – hopefully at Deceuninck.
I said at the beginning of the year I wasn’t looking for a fairytale but I’ve had a fairytale.
“It would be easy to say I’m done, [but] I’m still confident I’m on an upward stretch. If I didn’t believe I could get better I would stop. I’m looking at carrying on, I hope it will be with Deceuninck but I don’t know. It’s not down to me.”
Expanding on his aims for 2022, Cavendish added: “In the old days I never lost a race. This year I’ve won a lot, but I’ve come second and third a lot. It’s about consistently winning. I want to go back to when I didn’t lose. I should be able to win whatever race I go to.”
Cavendish has been putting the finishing touches to his preparations for the Tour of Britain which gets underway on Sunday.
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Source: Euro Sports