Mark Cavendish not considering retirement: "I feel I can be competitive for at least another two years"

Mark Cavendish is currently in the Giro d'Italia where he has taken a stage win early on, and has displayed the power necessary to be within the very best in the sprint finishes.

In a conversation with Gazzetta dello Sport, the 36-year old has confirmed that he has got ambitions for the seasons to come, no matter what team he is representing. "I want to continue my career for at least two more years, it’s not just that I want to continue riding my bike. I feel I can be competitive for at least another two years. Maybe more, but at least for another two years I can be competitive, I know that," he said.

With Tim Merlier set to join Quick-Step Alpha Vinyl Team in the coming season, and the difficulties in negotiations last year with the team, it's a near certainty that Cavendish will not be racing for the Belgian team in 2023. His next destination is unknown.

Thinking of the present though, he has admitted to still be on the hunt for another win at the Giro d'Italia. Today's finale in Cuneo is likely his last opportunity, as the mountains that loom ahead should be too complicated to see him ride through. "The truth is this: if I could only win one more, I’d be happy. If I could win ten more, I’d be happy. The number really, really isn’t a factor for me at all, that’s the truth," he added.

Asked if he is still ambitioning the participation at the Tour de France, the Manxman concluded: "Of course, I’d love to do, but I’m a professional and I’ve always been a professional and I do what’s required for my team. You know I’ll always be prepared for it, but it’s not my decision. It’s not something that I think or don’t think about. I just do my job."