Persistent rumours that Mark Cavendish could be leaving the Sky team after just one season are gathering pace, with Procycling.no now reporting that it has received confirmation that this is the case.
The Norwegian site refers to a source close to Sky as saying that Cavendish’s departure is now certain. The Manxman is thought to have been frustrated by a lack of opportunities and support at the Tour de France, although being part of a team backing the first-ever British winner softened that somewhat.
However missing out on his goal of an Olympic medal plus confirmation from the team that it wants to focus again next year on the general classification means that Cavendish knows his prospects for stage wins and a second green jersey will be limited.
He had to be satisfied with three stage victories this year, a drop compared to his four wins in 2008, six in 2009, and five in both 2010 and 2011. He was unable to defend the green jersey he took in 2011.
Procycling.no spoke to the rider recently when he was in Oslo, but he declined to comment on his future. However it states that it got confirmation elsewhere that he’ll be signing a new contract for 2013. Cavendish was due to have talks this month with team principal Dave Brailsford. The latter said that he’d like him to stay but, accepting his sprint possibilities would be limited, that he wouldn’t impede him from leaving.
The rider’s team-mate Bradley Wiggins has also said he could see how a move might benefit Cavendish.
Twelve days ago the Daily Mail stated that up to six teams were interested in signing him. The American BMC Racing Team, the Russian Katusha squad and the Belgian Omega Pharma Quick Step setup were said to be the front runners.
The latter’s interest has been long-known, and its current frame sponsorship would enable Cavendish to return to riding a Specialized bike.
It is likely that the successful bidder will have to pay a release fee as Cavendish has a multi-year contract with Sky.