Mark Cavendish finally showed some positive signs yesterday at the UAE Tour as he contested for the final sprint - however finished only in 17th spot. The Manxman had a final opportunity to perform in today's bunch sprint, but has abandoned the race with illness.
"Mark Cavendish won’t start today due to a sickness," Astana Qazaqstan Team shared on social media this morning. "The rider felt a small fever this morning and after discussion, SD and medical staff decided to let the rider time to recover better ahead of his next races."
This certainly is not the best case scenario for the sprinter, who was hoping to get a strong result out of the UAE. Ahead of the spring, he will be hoping to contest a few more sprints but perhaps most importantly, find race rhythm alongside his new leadout.
🇦🇪 MEDICAL UPDATE: @uae_tour @MarkCavendish won’t start today due to a sickness. The rider felt a small fever this morning and after discussion, SD and medical staff decided to let the rider time to recover better ahead of his next races. #UAETour 📷 @SprintCycling
