Jens Voigt exclusive: Mark Cavendish must win two stages at Giro d'Italia to earn spot at 2023 Tour de France

05.05.2023 - 20:07 eurosport.com

Former cyclist Jens Voigt told Eurosport that he believes Mark Cavendish needs two stage wins at the Giro d’Italia to convince his team to give him a spot in their Tour de France squad.

The 37-year-old Manxman is one of the greatest sprinters in the history of cycling, and in 2021 equalled the record at the Tour de France for most stages won, bringing his record up to 34.

Ad However, he is yet to win a stage for his new team, and that might hinder his chances of going to the Grand Tour this year.

Giro d'ItaliaMcEwen refuses to rule out Cavendish at Giro — 'I wouldn't bet against him'YESTERDAY AT 14:01 A chance to impress will soon be upon him though, as he is one of the sprinters picked for his team’s tilt at the Giro d’Italia, and Voigt believes a strong showing might convince the team chiefs to take him to a second of the season’s toughest tours.

cycling sprint Chelsea win Giro Tour De-France Mark Cavendish Ad However France Astana

Eurosport reporter Adam Blythe was on hand to relay the scene after the finish of Stage 17 as Mark Cavendish (Astana Qazaqstan) appeared to get into an argument as the drama continued at the Giro d'Italia. It was a glorious day for Alberto Dainese (Team DSM) as he recorded a thrilling victory on a stage that was purely set up for a sprint finish at his home Grand Tour on Wednesday afternoon, and the tension was not over there. Ad It may have been a largely uneventful day with a long, patient build-up to the inevitable bunch sprint finish climax, but the fans were eventually given the finale they were after — and then a minor row seemed to ensue just beyond the finish line.

Giro d'Italia 2023 Stage 17: How to watch, TV and live stream details, profile as Mark Cavendish hunts win

Will Mark Cavendish (Astana-Qazaqstan) chalk up his first win of the 2023 Giro d'Italia on Stage 17? The 38-year-old is riding the Giro for the last time after confirming he will retire at the end of the season. Ad Cavendish came close to victory on Stage 11 when he finished third, but will be looking to go better than that on Stage 17.

Mark Cavendish is 'the GOAT' – Adam Blythe and Robbie McEwen laud 'phenomenon' retiring sprinter

Mark Cavendish is “the greatest sprinter of all time” and “one of a kind”, said Eurosport expert Adam Blythe after the British legend announced he would retire at the end of the season. Cavendish has enjoyed a stellar 17-year career, which includes 53 Grand Tour stage wins, a world road race title in 2011 and an Olympic silver medal in the velodrome. Ad The 38-year-old, who is currently competing at the Giro d’Italia, is expected to target the outright record of stage victories at the Tour de France in July with Astana Qazaqstan.

Geraint Thomas pays tribute to 'greatest sprinter of all time' ahead of Mark Cavendish's retirement

Geraint Thomas believes Mark Cavendish, who announced his retirement at the end of the current season, is the “greatest sprinter of all time" and says it has been «an honour to ride with him». Cavendish is currently at the Giro d’Italia and is expected to compete at the Tour de France this summer, where he hopes to break the stage record that he currently shares with Eddy Merckx. Ad Thomas has raced alongside Cavendish for Great Britain as well as for one season at Team Sky.

Mark Cavendish's retirement decision makes 'perfect sense' with Tour de France record ahead - Jens Voigt

Jen Voigt has explained why he thinks Mark Cavendish’s retirement decision makes “perfect sense” – and has shared a story about the sprint great that he will “never forget”. Cavendish, 38, said that he had “lived an absolute dream” as he announced he will be retiring at the end of the 2023 season. Ad The 38-year-old, who is currently competing at the Giro d’Italia with Astana Qazaqstan, is expected to chase a record 35th stage win at the Tour de France this summer.

Mark Cavendish’s longevity and breadth of success almost unique for a sprinter

The words “end of an era” should not be lightly used, but when Mark Cavendish hangs up his wheels later this season the term will apply, absolutely. The Manxman’s glittering career has lasted nigh on 20 years, if his first world title in 2005 is taken as a starting point. In bike racing, he is almost unique for a sprinter, both in terms of longevity, and the depth and breadth of his results. Generations of fastmen have come and gone as Cavendish’s list of wins has lengthened over the years, and all the while, from a brash, motormouthed youth, ready for anything, “Cav” has morphed into an elder statesman, a fixture in the sport, if occasionally a slightly terse one.