Mark Cavendish reported to be confirmed for Giro d'Italia

Quick-Step Alpha Vinyl Team are said to be ready to back Mark Cavendish at the upcoming Giro d'Italia. The sprinting legend has last raced at the Circuit Cycliste Sarthe, and will be guiding his focus towards the Italian race now.

It was reported by Wielerflits that the Briton will be joining a pre-race press conference this next Wednesday, and that Cavendish is "definitely be at the start of the Giro d'Italia" after several months of an internal battle regarding what Grand Tour he would ride. This presence does not prevent him from being at the Tour de France, but Fabio Jakobsen is scheduled to be at the French Grand Tour with unrivaled lead of the team's leadout.

A confirmation is expected in the coming days from the Belgian team. With Ilan van Wilder out, and Fausto Masnada also rumoured to not be taking to the start of the race, it has opened up further the spots and the need for a leader for Quick-Step in the first Grand Tour of the season.

If Cavendish takes to the start in Budapest next week, it will be his sixth presence in the race. Cavendish has won 15 stages from 2008 to 2013, and may be adding to that tally.