Saying Mark Cavendish is a great cyclist doesn't seem like a particularly controversial point. Sure, the Manxman has won 161 races across his lengthy career, but not many in the manner that he won the National Championships last weekend.
Sprinting is by no means easy, nor is sticking in a race as it goes through high mountains, but it does feel different from the display of attacking verve and brio that was on display in Dumfries and Galloway. There was no sprint train, no mass bunch; this was Cavendish on his own, dictating the race from the front and then winning from a group of three, ensuring Sam Watson (Groupama-FDJ) had to settle for second place and the U23 crown, while Alex Richardson (unattached) rounded out the podium.
Just like on stage 16 of the Giro d'Italia, the Quick Step-Alpha Vinyl leader went up the road in an early break; unlike that occasion, it was not completely pointless.
Witnessing it you felt he enjoyed showing everyone, his critics and fans alike, that he is more than just a pure sprinter. More than anyone else, it was a reminder pointed directly at Quick-Step boss Patrick Lefevere, that he is a winner above all else.
Bu hikaye CYCLING WEEKLY dergisinin June 30, 2022 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye CYCLING WEEKLY dergisinin June 30, 2022 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
CLASSIC BIKE - JOHNNY BERRY
Johnny be good at making beautiful lightweight bikes
UK SCENE - WUNDERKIND HUDSON WINS YORKSHIRE CX
Newly crowned junior hill-climb champ shows his versatility by winning round seven on the mud
WATT WORKS FOR ME TADEJ POGAČAR
The man himself - subject of this special issue - explains the key performance changes behind his record-breaking year
11 WAYS TO POG-UP YOUR PLAN
Tadej Pocačar's performance is out of reach but you can adapt his training to raise your game. Chris Marshall-Bell consults the experts to find out how
Why do modern aero bikes look less aero?
Are today's aero bikes really faster, or is marketing just getting better? Joe Baker investigates...
REVIEW OF THE YEAR
An Olympic year is always special and the cycling season once again delivered a year of highs and lows, from Pogi's triple to Katie Archibald's pre-Olympic trip
MEET THE PARENTS
What made Tadej Pogačar the phenomenon he is today? Chris Marshall-Bell went to Slovenia to meet his mum and dad, Mirko and Marjeta
HALF MAN HALF GOAT
Tadej Pogačar may have had a phenomenal season, but has he done enough to cement his status as the greatest of all time? Chris Marshall-Bell weighs the arguments for and against
Lefevere cashes in his chips and leaves cycling management
The news that Patrick Lefevere will step down as Quick Step boss marks the end of an era, after 22 years in charge
Mathieu van der Poel weighs up skipping Tour de France
Dutchman hints at missing Tour in favour of mtb Worlds bid, reports Tom Thewlis from Dénia, Spain
