Mark Cavendish could be on his way to extend cycling career with Astana, leadout signings are being considered

Mark Cavendish announced his retirement from pro cycling back at the Giro d'Italia but has since won greatly in the Corsa Rosa and was on the verge of achieving his much seeked 35th Tour de France win. Having abandoned prematurely, it is now reported that there is a good chance he will postpone his retirement and race in 2024.

Tuttobiciweb report that the Manxman could be close to a contract extension with Astana Qazaqstan Team, a move which has for the past weeks been discussed quite a lot within the cycling community as the Manxman crashed out of the Tour with a fractured collarbone. The previous day he finished second to Jasper Philipsen in a bunch sprint, proving to have the legs to take his 35th stage win in the race.

Alexander Vinokourov, head of the Kazakh team, has said that he would be happy to extend his partnership with Cavendish and that it would be up to the sprinters' own will to continue his career in cycling. This could already be in the making, and the report also suggests the team is already looking for more serious support for the sprints.

Jordi Meeus of BORA - hansgrohe and Max Kanter of Movistar Team have both been linked into a possible move, two signings which could significantly boost his chances of having a strong leadout into the many sprints he would in theory be contesting.