07/02/2023

"Here I feel respected for what I have achieved" - Nothing but good words from Mark Cavendish on Astana negotiations and reception

Mark Cavendish has had a turmoil this winter, but from it as emerged an opportunity to remain at World Tour level with the Astana Qazaqstan Team. A move that didn't seem to fit in some senses, the Manxman actually talks of a reception that tops that of previous teams.

“Vino called up and asked me, ‘What do you think? I can't pay you what a B&B would do, but come here, there's no pressure," Cavendish told The Sunday Times. “We talked about the benefits, but also what would happen if I wasn't successful, if it went the other way. It just said, 'It doesn't matter. If you don't win, you don't win. But we're going to try.' It's been a long, long time since anyone spoke to me like that."

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As a rider with countless big wins throughout his career, and a decade-long goal of achieving the record number of victories at the Tour de France, it is understandable that pressure is connected with his name, and expectations will always be high. In some cases this can be beneficial, but Cavendish has been pleased with the lack of pressure imposed by Vinokourov upon his signing.

"I've been on teams where they praised me, that's tough. You feel isolated, you feel the pressure. I have also been in teams where I was kicked, not physically, but that is not nice either. Here I feel respected for what I have achieved, what I can still achieve, and as a person," he details.

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“I feel like I've been jumping through hoops for years. First there were the years at Dimension Data. There I fell ill due to the fault of the team, but I was presented with the bill myself. That hurts," he continued. "At Bahrain, and even at Quick-Step, I couldn't prepare for anything, set a goal. This is the first time I can work towards something instead of feeling like I have to prove myself to get a chance.”

Astana does not feature years of experience in the sprints, but has a few fast men that can provide support for the veteran. Late signing of Cees Bol - with whom he was set to ride at B&B Hotels-KTM - will also be key for his leadout, which is to be tested at the upcoming UAE Tour. As it stands, Cavendish will start the Tour of Oman later this week where he will debut his new colours.

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“The team has been extremely supportive, incredible. The signing of the contract was delayed because they gave me time. Vino said 'take your time, be with your family if you need to'. It took a lot of pressure off, which allowed us to deal with it," he concluded.