Mark Cavendish signs with Astana Qazaqstan Team, deal confirmed by local media

Mark Cavendish should be a member of the Astana Qazaqstan Team in 2023 following the termination of Miguel Ángel López, in what was a complete turning of tables for both the Kazakh team and the Manxman.

Gazzetta dello Sport reports that the deal has been signed. Cavendish will ride for Astana in 2023 alongside Cees Bol. Both riders had signed with B&B Hotels-KTM for the 2023 season, but following the collapse of the French team both found themselves without a contract and with small chances of finding themselves in top teams.

Human Powered Health manifested interest in Cavendish and it was said both were in contacts with each other. The American team would provide little guarantees of a Tour de France presence however. That remains the big goal for Cavendish who wasn't part of the race this year as Quick-Step Alpha Vinyl Team prioritized Fabio Jakobsen.

Astana recently fired López from the team, freeing up a lot of budget in a very bad time as few riders remained on the marked. Cavendish was one, and the stars seem to have aligned for both he and Cees Bol, who may end up racing at World Tour level after all this coming season.