Michael Morkov secures new role keeping the Dane in the peloton after retirement

Following his good friend and long time teammate Mark Cavendish, Michael Morkov is set to retire at the end of the 2024 campaign. It has now been confirmed though, that the Danish leadout legend will be sticking around professional cycling in a new role.

Going forwards, Morkov is set to replace Anders Lund, who's been in the role since 2015, as the new head coach of the Danish national team. "I am looking forward to offering the experience and skills that I have," says the current Astana Qazaqstan Team pro to the official website of Danish Cycling. "I am looking forward to working closely with my new colleagues, and not least with our talented riders. In this way, I want to continue the great cycling tradition of Denmark. We have every opportunity to build on the successes of the past years."

The Danes have a top quality pool of riders to call upon at the moment. The likes of Mads Pedersen and Mattias Skjelmose have been carrying the colours in World Championships, European Championships and Olympic Games over recent seasons, with of course, two time Tour de France winner Jonas Vingegaard being the most renowned rider from the nation. If Morkov can get Vingegaard more involved with the Danish national team, it could be a big statement of intent from the new head coach.

"Michael Morkov is one of the most tactically astute and experienced riders in recent Danish cycling history. His deep knowledge of both track and road cycling, as well as his ability to read races and develop strategy, makes him the perfect choice as national coach," adds Morten Bennekou, CEO of the Danish Cycling Federation. "We are sure that he will bring a new dynamic and continue to take Danish cycling to new heights. I am proud that Morkov has accepted the task."