Mark Cavendish out for 'a number of weeks' after having collarbone surgery following Tour de France crash

Mark Cavendish has had surgery on his collarbone that forced him to abandon this year's Tour de France. The British sprinter crashed on Stage 8 of the Tour after breaking his collarbone that ended his chances of a 35th Tour victory. He remains tied with Belgian great Eddy Merckx on 34 wins.

Ad After completing the surgery on Wednesday, Cavendish confirmed he would be out for «a number of weeks». World ChampionshipsCavendish in squad list for World Championships, Thomas also included10/07/2023 AT 12:57 «Yep, fractured right clavicle. Just out of surgery to plate it up,» he said.

«It’ll take a bit longer than the standard couple of weeks for a collarbone, just due to the screws that were in there from a previous injury. But we’re still only looking at a number of weeks, so happy days! »I’ve been absolutely bowled over by the love and support of everyone. Fans, colleagues, family friends.

«Thank you all so, so, so much. It obviously hasn’t been the ideal way to finish the Tour, but that’s part of the beauty and brutality of cycling! But I’ve felt incredibly lifted thanks to all you beautiful souls living my journey with me. »Missing my Astana-Qazaqstan family, but been cheering them on every day, and will do so all the way into Paris.

«Thank you to Professor Funk. I know my shoulder is always in the best hands with you. Right then, time for rehab! Let’s get on with it!» Cavendish is due to retire at the end of the 2023 season, but he has been offered a contract extension by Astana-Qazaqstan in the wake of his crash.