Astana signs Mark Renshaw as consultant ahead of Mark Cavendish's final Tour de France

Teammates as HTC, Quick-Step and Dimension Data, Mark Cavendish and Mark Renshaw are reuniting with immediate effect as Astana Qazaqstan Team signed the latter to be the team's consultant for sprints and leadouts.

“I am really thrilled to return to the Tour de France with Astana Qazaqstan Team and Mark Cavendish as a sprint and lead-out consultant," Renshaw, former pro who was Cavendish's right-hand man for many years, said in a press release. "After discussing the possibility to join Astana Qazaqstan Team with Alexandr Vinokurov and my ex-teammate Dmitriy Fofonov, I am really looking forward to bringing my skillset to help the team chase success. Our goal is to secure victories in the sprint stages, and I am eager to share my knowledge and experience gained as a lead-out rider and teammate of Mark Cavendish."

The move comes as a surprise, but a move to try and improve the chances of the Manxman winning a record-breaking 35th win at the Tour. After winning a stage at the Giro d'Italia he proved to still have the speed, but in France he will have a leadout which may improve his chances of being consistent. The team has now brought in the Australian ex-pro to provide insight and support in the sprints.

“Mark’s recent victory in the Giro d'Italia is proof that he still possesses the speed, power, and determination needed to win grand tour stages," Renshaw believes. "With the support of Astana Qazaqstan Team and the talented riders selected for the race, I am confident that he has what it takes to win in this year’s Tour de France. I cancelled other jobs in July which shows my confidence in him. As we prepare for the important sprint stages, I am excited to work with the team’s Sports Directors to develop effective tactics and strategies, analyzing and breaking down sprint stages is something I absolutely love to do."