Mark Cavendish on first win of 2023: "It's very emotional"

Mark Cavendish has had a difficult 2023, often out of form. At the Giro d'Italia things began to click, and the Manx Missile has for the first time this year shown his best legs, winning the final sprint in Rome in impressive fashion.

“I am very happy, it was very difficult to finish this Giro," Cavendish said in a post-race interview. He came close in the second week as his form improved, but stage 17 saw him out of contention. This was his final opportunity to succeed at the Giro in what is his final season, and he didn't let it slide: "We've been close before. My team and my friends did well. I had very good and long-term friends today, it's very emotional."

Cavendish had the support of Geraint Thomas in the final sprint, but when it came to the key moments it was up to him. He attached to the early-launching Fernando Gaviria, and crossed the finish line with a comfortable gap, winning stage 21 in what was an emotional win, with many congratulating him at the finish line.

“Fifteen years ago I took my first victory in a Grand Tour. It's great to be able to win here again. It was really a sprint on my bucket list. I am really happy with this,” he concluded.