Exclusive: Mark Cavendish backed for stage win at Tour de France by Alberto Contador - 'I think he can'

Alberto Contador has backed Mark Cavendish to secure a win at the Tour de France to break out of a tie with Eddie Merckx for the most stage wins in the famous Grand Tour. Cavendish bounced back from a spell in the wilderness to win four stages in the 2021 edition of the race to move level with Merckx on 34 victories.

Ad The 38-year-old was controversially omitted from the Quick-Step Alpha Vinyl Team for the 2022 race, and left them at the end of last season. Tour de FranceExclusive: Contador 'worried' about Pogacar's Tour preparations ahead of Vingegaard battle17 HOURS AGO It was well into 2023 before Cavendish signed a deal to join Astana Qazaqstan, and he secured a big win for the team when landing the final stage of the Giro d’Italia — which came a few days after he had confirmed his retirement at the end of the season.

The win proved Cavendish still had the fire in his legs to compete with the best sprinters, and would have filled him with confidence going into the Tour de France. Victory in the 21st stage also proved Cavendish’s standing within the peloton, as he called on old friend Geraint Thomas, from rival team Ineos Grenadiers, for a brilliant lead out.

He was warmly embraced by scores of riders after his 17th Giro stage win — with many aware of what he has done for the sport. There will be stiff competition on the roads of France and Spain for Cavendish, but Contador feels he will get the win required to take him ahead of Merckx.

“I think if Mark Cavendish is on the start line of the Tour de France, his morale will be at an all-time high after winning a stage on the Giro,” Contador told Eurosport. “Backed with a team that are experts in preparing sprinters… I am sure that Mark Cavendish is doing everything he