Cavendish's stay at Quick-Step "is not possible" says Patrick Lefevere

Mark Cavendish will not stay in Quick-Step Alpha Vinyl Team for 2023, after two successful years where he's gotten the flame back to succeed in the sprints. Patrick Lefevere confirmed the information in a recent interview.

In an interview with Gazzetta dello Sport, Lefevere has said: "He will not stay. I don't think so. It is not possible. I know he wants to race for another two years, but he is not part of our project". This confirms the rumours that were present already about the Manxman's departure from the Belgian team. 

"It hurts my heart. I would like, but every now and then the time comes to say thank you for everything he has done for the team, and I hope vice versa," he added. After several complicated years, Lefevere took a bet in Cavendish and ended up seeing the 37-year old conquering four stages and the points classification at the Tour de France - one of the most impressive and popular comeback stories of modern cycling.

There was a tough discussion but Cavendish ended up renewing with the team for 2022, although a place in the Tour de France where he wanted to beat the record of Eddy Merckx was never a likely scenario. He's won some stages throughout the year, including one at the Giro d'Italia, however this will be his final years in the Belgian squad, Lefevere confirms.

With Fabio Jakobsen given an absolute leader role in the sprints this year, the team has focused more of it's resources around the Dutchman. Tim Merlier is coming into the team in 2023, leaving Cavendish's spot filled as he will look to find another team within the World Tour.