Astana to offer Cavendish another pop at Tour record

Team boss Alexandre Vinokourov puts six-month contract on the table

Mark Cavendish’s team would like the sprinter to postpone his retirement and continue for another six months, renewing the dream of a record-breaking stage win at the Tour de France.

The Manxman, who counts 34 Tour victories and is currently tied for the record with Eddy Merckx, abandoned this year’s race on day eight after an innocuous mid-stage crash. It was later revealed that he had broken his collarbone.