Looking for: A record-setting 35th Tour stage win for Mark Cavendish
Tour riders
l Davide Ballerini (Ita) 29
l Cees Bol (Ned) 28
l Mark Cavendish (GBr) 39
l Yevgeniy Federov (24) 24
l Michele Gazzoli (Ita) 25
l Alexey Lutsenko (Kaz) 31
l Michael Mørkøv (Den) 39
l Harold Tejada (Col) 27
Tour 2023 highlights
l Mark Cavendish second on stage seven
l Cees Bol fifth on stage 21
l Alexey Lutsenko seventh on stage nine
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, o
