Jan Bakelants was impressed by the performance of Mark Cavendish at Scheldeprijs where the Astana Qazaqstan Team rider finished third. Whether this means the Manx Missile can go on to take a record breaking 35th Tour de France stage win though, Bakelants isn't so sure.
"From 3rd place in Schoten to a stage victory in the Tour is a big step. But 2 years ago he also surprised us. Although I don't really see that happening now," predicts Bakelants on Sporza's Wielerclub Wattage podcast. "The difficult course in the first Tour stages will take its toll. And Jasper Philipsen will benefit from that and be fresher."
Another aspect that Bakelants feels could be a key issue is the lack of support Cavendish will have in relation to the other sprinters. "I don't think Cavendish is supported enough in his team to compete for the first prize in the Tour sprints," he explains. "The 4 Tour sprints he won 2 years ago were 85 percent down to his team and 15 percent down to himself," Tom Boonen adds.
"Cavendish then had one of the strongest lead-outs including Mørkøv and Ballerini, I've seen in my career," Boonen continues. "But if you no longer have that lead-out and you have to draw your plan and you are a bit less good as a rider yourself, then it will be very difficult."
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