Mark Cavendish almost certain to return in 2024 for one final season

Ever since Mark Cavendish crashed out of the 2023 Tour de France on stage 8, cycling fans around the world have wondered whether or not the 'Manx Missile' would postpone his retirement for one final crack at a historic 35th stage win.

According to the latest reports, sources have revealed to AD that Cavendish and the Astana Qazaqstan Team are on the verge of successfully coming to terms on a one-year extension to his contract. Team boss Alexander Vinokourov immediately stated following the Tour de France disappointment that another year of Cavendish was his wish and now it seems like he has been able to persuade the 38-year-old.

Cavendish initially announced he would retire at the end of the 2023 campaign whilst on the second rest day of the Giro d'Italia earlier this year. When, a few days later, the Brit sprinted to victory in Rome, helped by an expert leadout from former teammate and great friend, Geraint Thomas, confidence was high that Cavendish could take sole ownership of the historic Tour de France stage win record.

Ultimately though, the fairy-tale ending to his career wasn't to be as he left the race in the back of an ambulance. Recently, Cavendish has been seen training with the likes of Chris Froome and with his former leadout man Michael Morkov reportedly joining the Astana Qazaqstan Team, all signs point to one final year.