ASTANA QAZAQSTAN
Looking for: A record-setting 35th Tour stage win for Mark Cavendish
Astana’s aim this year is simple: it’s all-in for Mark Cavendish – sorry, that’s Sir Mark Cavendish – in his final year in the pro peloton. The Manxman is back one last time for a stab at becoming the rider with the most Tour stage wins to his name. He is currently joint holder of the record of 34 with Eddy Merckx.
Taking the record would ensure Cav’s place in cycling history.
But it isn’t going to be easy. Astana are at least completely behind him. Having convinced him to re-sign for 2024, they then brought in former team-mates from Quick Step – crucially Michael Mørkøv – and coaching staff. If they pull it off it’ll be the story of the summer. If they don’t, everyone can at least enjoy watching them try.
Hitter: Michael Mørkøv
Without a road win to his name since 30 June 2019 (the Danish national road title), you could be forgiven for wondering what all the fuss is about Mørkøv. He is, however, one of the most astute riders in the bunch, able to navigate not only himself but the sprinter on his wheel through the whirling melee of a fast-finishing bunch. Mørkøv is key to Cavendish’s record bid.
Star Rider: Mark Cavendish
Guided by his trusted coach Vasilis Anastopoulos, Cavendish has spent chunks of time at altitude working on his endurance in the belief that sprinters now need a big engine just to get to the final kilometres of a Tour stage. But time at altitude in South America, then racing in the Middle East, left Cavendish fighting a virus. A stage win at the Tour of Hungry was no marker of form and no one will know what his chances are until he contests a sprint.