Ethan Vernon on Mark Cavendish: "The detail he and Mørkøv would go into over a sprint was incredible"

Ethan Vernon the British young sprinter of Soudal-Quick-Step did recently an interview for where he talked about the importance and influence of his fellow compatriot and former teammate Mark Cavendish. The sprinter from the Isle of Man is an example for young British sprinters like Ethan Vernon who recently finished 2nd at Trofeo Alcudia-Port d'Alcudia.

“I learned so much, especially with the likes of Cav and [Michael] Mørkøv and Fabio [Jakobsen], as a sprinter and a lead-out rider as well. It was a cool experience. We messed up a bit the first day but then Cav won so that was nice to put things right. For him to win and to be a part of it was quite special, for a 21-year-old who has looked up to him my whole life”, stated Vernon to Cyclingnews referring also to stage 2 in UAE Tour of 2022 where he got the chance to race and work for Cavendish for the sprint.

The 22 years old rider, that also competes on track races, at the time was doing his debut at the World Tour being only his first race as a professional cyclist. Despite this “inexperience” the rider gives credits to his track skills on dealing with the nerves and the pressure that the riders of Patrick Lefevere team get.

“You're trying to do everything right because you don't want to be the guy who messes it up for him. It was super nerve-wracking, but the track really helps with nerves. The team pursuit puts you under so much pressure, so when it comes to the road you're almost better equipped than a normal road rider to handle all the nerves”, he stated.

Being a British rider that has characteristics for the sprint, Vernon got an opportunity that few in his country could get of being in the same team has Mark Cavendish. Vernon seems to have taken well these opportunities to absolve knowledge with one of the best sprinters in the World who is also very receptive in passing his knowledge to the young ones.

“Fantastic. I was put in a room with him in the December and January camps, so I got to know him quite well. He was wonderful with me, and looked after me. I ended up driving him back home to the UK from Belgium in a little Škoda. We had some good times”, said Vernon about his times with Cavendish.

The Manx Missile, is one of the riders that best describes the sprint finish after the races. He is also very methodical and observer, qualities that make him an ideal coach for the new generation of sprinters and Vernon took the opportunities to ask for a few tips.

“Just little tips, as small as clothing choices, but also as big as race craft, race analysis. The detail he and Mørkøv would go into over a sprint was incredible. I'd never seen that before, but I guess that's why they've been so successful.”, concluded Vernon.