Mark Cavendish officially signs with Astana Qazaqstan Team

"Still waiting?" read a post earlier on the team's social media. Mark Cavendish has travelled to Spain for a training camp with the Kazakh team and the confirmation of his signing has finally been made public.

Alongside Cees Bol, both sprinters were ready to join B&B Hotels-KTM before it's collapse, and the preparations have now been done for the duo to boost up Astana's ranks. It is believed that the team was working on individual sponsors and staff to help the Manxman's transfer, and the negotiations have been complete the with transfer now done.

“I am really excited for this adventure. I raced with Alexandr Vinokurov for many years, and now I’m racing with his 2 boys!" Cavendish said in a press release. "I remember when they were children the same age as my own, dreaming to be bike racers. Astana Qazaqstan Team is going to be a great place to be successful, with a strong team led by Alexandr, a champion on the bike and a gentleman off the bike."

Whilst Bol has not been announced, the veteran sprinter has found a new home and in the World Tour, where he will have the opportunity of returning to the Tour de France where the team should put it's full support. Cavendish will have the likes of Martin Laas and Gleb Syritsa has leadout men - for now - but most importantly, he's able to resume his career at the highest level.

"I’ve enjoyed a long career already, but the joy of riding my bike and the hunger to continue winning are as bright as ever. So I’m looking forward to being part of a successful team, whether working with the team for wins, crossing the line first myself, or cheering on my teammates," he continued. "As always, the objective will be for us to stand on the top podium."

Team manager Alexander Vinokourov has the same feeling towards the transfer: "The goals however are still the same – victories in any kind of race. Classics, stages in different stage races and, of course, in the Grand Tours. Mark still has a big desire to win and we are going to support this feeling with all our forces in all kind of races," he stated.