Cavendish: Modern Cycling Focus on Strength Would Hinder My Professional Start

Mark Cavendish, who concluded his career with a victory in Singapore, has stated that he believes he would not succeed as a professional cyclist if he were starting his career today, attributing this to the sport’s current emphasis on physical strength “because it is completely based on how strong you are”. The 39-year-old competed in his last event last weekend, securing a win at the Tour de France Criterium held in Singapore. In July, Cavendish achieved a record-breaking 35th stage victory at the Tour de France, surpassing Eddy Merckx’s previous total. His career accomplishments also include winning the road world title in 2011, 17 stages in the Giro d’Italia, and three stages in the Vuelta a Espana. He concluded his 19-year career with a total of 165 race victories. Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live, he remarked, “I would not be a professional now. [But] if so many people just look at the scientific part it leaves a gap open for someone who looks tactically minded at things.” Throughout his career, Cavendish was renowned for outmaneuvering younger and physically stronger competitors at the finish line, a feat attributed to his precise attack timing and sustained high power output. Rod Ellingworth, who served as a former British Cycling Academy boss and Team Sky coach, collaborated with Cavendish throughout his career. Ellingworth commented to BBC Sport, stating, “Is he the most powerful? No. Not by a long way.” He added, “However, for his size and everything else, he can punch above his weight. “Timing is essential, and knowing the right line to follow and the feel for the group. “His actual bike-handing skills when they’re going 70kph and his vision of where he needs to be – all that combines really well.” Ellingworth concluded, “He sees it in slow motion. He sees all the detail and it’s quite unique.” In track cycling, Cavendish secured an omnium silver medal at the 2016 Olympics and earned three titles as a madison world champion. Furthermore, he received a knighthood in June as part of the King’s Birthday Honours. Cavendish further elaborated, stating, “Everything is quantifiable – the power you put out, the weight you are, and that makes it harder for someone who is tactically minded.” He continued, “Even when I was younger and not as scientific, I didn’t quite ‘hit the numbers’ so I shouldn’t be a professional.” He then explained, “If so many people just look at the scientific part you can never shine through – it leaves a gap open for someone who looks tactically at things. If everyone looked tactically, it would have made my job a lot harder.” He concluded this point by saying, “I never neglected my physical training but it is as important to train your mind to read a situation – to look at results, look at tactics of other teams. I did that and others didn’t.” Cavendish postponed his retirement by a year with the aim of breaking the Tour de France stage record, and he expresses satisfaction with his choice to conclude his professional career. He added, “I was fortunate to get some extra years out of my career and complete cycling, I guess. The majority of athletes will never get to go out on a fairytale ending.” He further stated, “The people I turned pro and raced with have all retired, their sons have also retired. That makes me feel old. There is nobody competitive at this age.” He concluded, “I’m lucky I had the support of my team and family who believed in me because of my tactical side rather than the physical ability.”