"Although we don’t have a train, I know I have the confidence of my team around me" - Mark Cavendish hopeful of winning at Giro d'Italia

Mark Cavendish has been revealed as the headliner for the Astana Qazaqstan Team at the Giro d'Italia. The team has decided not to provide him with a leadout and instead focus on breakaways, however there is still confidence that he'll be able to perform.

"The Giro d’Italia is a race that I enjoy and has a special place in my heart. The nature of the course makes it unpredictable for how many sprint opportunities there are, but I’m looking forward to trying to add to my 16 stage wins," Cavendish said in a press release issued by the team answering several questions.

The Manxman rode well in the crosswinds on the opening day of the UAE Tour, and then had a promising third spot at Schedleprijs. Otherwise he was absent from all sprints he could target this year, as the team tried out several riders in support of him. The decision was made that none of those riders would ride the Giro, and instead the team is packed with puncheurs and not a single rider who is used to being in the front on the sprint stages.

"Like a high percentage of the peloton and the world in general, staying healthy continues to be something we have to pay particular attention to. I’ve had a couple of sickness bugs this year, but fortunately nothing too severe," he continues. "Missing days of training or racing is never ideal, but I’ll always try to make the most of where I’m at."

This will be Cavendish's first Grand Tour with Astana. He's not expected to make it all the way into Rome but in the opening two weeks there will be a few opportunities for the pure sprinters, where he can find an opening to capture what would be his 17th win.

"I’m looking forward to my first Grand Tour with Astana Qazaqstan Team. Of course, we don’t have a sprint focused team like many others. But we have a very strong team for hunting for stage wins across the 21 days. And, of course, a good mix of talent and experience to make the most and have fun racing."

Asked about his lack of a leadout in the race, Cavendish responded: "Having a team not focused solely on the sprints relieves the pressure from my shoulders slightly, though of course I’m hungry to try and win. Although we don’t have a train, I know I have the confidence of my team around me in the flat days and I’ll do all I can to support my teammates in the other stages."