Mark Cavendish ...

[Haitch]

.. has retired

 

[yello]

It's half expected, more than half really. The guy's done phenomenally well and must be shattered.

The Millar interview on that link is well worth a listen. From Radio 4's Today programme by the sound of it.

 

[Flying_Monkey]

Almost totally rather than half expected. He hasn't yet got the stamina to win stages and also make it over two sets of mountains in one piece. The irony is of course that, without the aid of drugs, once you develop the stamina with age, you tend to lose the speed, so he will have only a few short years to chance his hand at winning green.

 

[Keith Oates]

yes but you've now got Friere and Zabel still going for green, but I guess Cavendish would'nt change places and give them the four wins. However in the future maybe he would. Do you think he leaving because he totally shattered or because he has an eye on Beijing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Flying_Monkey]

Do you think he leaving because he totally shattered or because he has an eye on Beijing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Both...

 

[Keith Oates]

I think you're right!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[marinyork]

Well done to him. 1 set of mountains and 4 victories is surely good experience.

 

[Dayvo]

Despite my (perhaps harsh) criticism of his interviewing style earlier, he has had a great tour, and will rightly be remembered in cycling history/folklore.

Not many others from these (British) shores can make that boast in the TdeF!

Let's see him go, and good luck to him, in China!

 

[mondobongo]

He looked shattered after winning his 4th stage think its a good move, long time since we had such talent he deserves to be looked after.
Chris Boardman said that when he called him Cav answered the phone laughing, picked a good day to pull out.

 

[peejay78]

i think mark cavnedish has done so much for british cycling in this tour. the guy is amazing.

 

[mondobongo]

Short report on Cav's decision and plans here.