Mark Cavendish out for 'a number of weeks' after having collarbone surgery following Tour de France crash
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ByEurosport
Updated 13/07/2023 at 09:12 GMT
Mark Cavendish's hopes of claiming the outright record of stage victories at the Tour de France ended on Stage 8 when he broke his right collarbone in a heavy fall, leaving him tied with Belgian great Eddy Merckx on 34 wins. Cavendish has revealed on social media that he has completed surgery for the injury he suffered and that he will be out for "a number of weeks".
'What an absolute disaster' – Cavendish crashes out on Stage 8 as record bid ends
Mark Cavendish has had surgery on his collarbone that forced him to abandon this year's Tour de France.
The British sprinter crashed on Stage 8 of the Tour after breaking his collarbone that ended his chances of a 35th Tour victory. He remains tied with Belgian great Eddy Merckx on 34 wins.
After completing the surgery on Wednesday, Cavendish confirmed he would be out for "a number of weeks".
"Yep, fractured right clavicle. Just out of surgery to plate it up," he said.
"It’ll take a bit longer than the standard couple of weeks for a collarbone, just due to the screws that were in there from a previous injury. But we’re still only looking at a number of weeks, so happy days!
"I’ve been absolutely bowled over by the love and support of everyone. Fans, colleagues, family friends.
"Thank you all so, so, so much. It obviously hasn’t been the ideal way to finish the Tour, but that’s part of the beauty and brutality of cycling! But I’ve felt incredibly lifted thanks to all you beautiful souls living my journey with me.
"Missing my Astana-Qazaqstan family, but been cheering them on every day, and will do so all the way into Paris.
"Thank you to Professor Funk. I know my shoulder is always in the best hands with you. Right then, time for rehab! Let’s get on with it!"
Cavendish is due to retire at the end of the 2023 season, but he has been offered a contract extension by Astana-Qazaqstan in the wake of his crash.
"Yes, we want Mark to go on to 2024 and race his 15th Tour de France to win his 35th stage," Astana boss Alexander Vinokourov told L'Equipe.
"I myself suffered a fractured femur in 2011 on the Tour and it was supposed to be my last year but I didn't want to stop just like that.
"I stayed on and fought hard to win the Olympic Games in London the following year. Mark has the same mentality and the same determination to achieve his ultimate goal. We're ready to give him that opportunity. But it's up to him."
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'I wouldn't be surprised' – Could Cavendish delay retirement and return in 2024?
Cavendish has been named in Great Britain's squad list for the UCI World Championships despite his Tour de France withdrawal.
The Manxman is unlikely to be part of the final eight-man squad for the road race on August 6.
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