TDY - has Mark Cavendish had his day?

[Flying_Monkey]

Sprinters tend to peak earlier. It's quite rare to see sprinters who continue to get results into their late 30s. I think he's finished, much as he clearly does not want to be. But he's had an amazing career: MSR, World Championship, a ridiculous number of TdF stages... he was one of the greatest ever in his day.

 

[screenman]

I think he still has a few wins left in him.

 

[Ming the Merciless]

He would probably have to cut down his mileage to train for Audax

Nah he is used to drafting in a pack. He'd have to practice riding on the front for 600km. He already has the beard and sure he gas sandals back home.

 

[brommers]

From what I've seen this season, he tends to sit up really early, unless he thinks he's got a chance of the win - so in some races he could've finished higher.

 

[screenman]

From what I've seen this season, he tends to sit up really early, unless he thinks he's got a chance of the win - so in some races he could've finished higher.

1st is 1st second is lost for some guys.

 

[Ming the Merciless]

You see it in amateur ultra endurance races. When they realise they will not win a few drop out. Winning is everything for them, never mind the experience.

 

[Doobiesis]

I notice Cav is not in the final stage today.

 

[Aravis]

Not forgetting the points jersey in all 3 GTs. Boy it seems like a long time since he won the jersey in the Vuelta. The reason for that is because it was a very long time ago. 2010!! I had to look it up. I doubt anyone currently active will pass his tdf stage win count. But I also doubt he has what it takes to get past Merckx.

It's also worth remembering that by some margin he has the most road stage wins in the Tour, a significant record in its own right.

I've no idea whether he'd see this as important, but two more stages in any of the grand tours would give him 50 across all three.

 

[Doobiesis]

My mistake, he is riding today.

 

[Sharky]

Career over?
It's hardly started. He hasn't done "Strictly" yet, or tried indoor rowing or ride a Grand National runner or "Get me out of here". Dont think he has been on Question of Sport either.

 

[rich p]

Middle age is considered to start in your mid 30's so he's getting close.

He is apparently a very decent ballroom dancer

 

[Sharky]

He is apparently a very decent ballroom dancer

I was joking, but just searched and he is!
Just a matter of time before we see him on strictly - looking forward to it - will be the highlight of his career.

 

[T4tomo]

It’s quite early season and he’s just getting going again after his illness. If he doesn’t do anything this season then maybe he has had his day, but don’t write him off just yet. I can’t see him dominating grand tour sprints again, but he has the nous to pop up and win a few more races I reckon.

 

[Beebo]

He's had a few big crashes too.
The fear factor must kick in at some point, once you realise you are no longer invincible, so he probably has a splint second of doubt and doesnt take the gaps like he once did.

 

[nickyboy]

He's had a few big crashes too.
The fear factor must kick in at some point, once you realise you are no longer invincible, so he probably has a splint second of doubt and doesnt take the gaps like he once did.

I think you're right. Athletic sprinters seem to have the physiology to still be world class at Cavendish's age so cyclists should be able to too.
I've never been in a bunch sprint but I can imagine it is utterly terrifying and the slightest hesitation and you're toast. Maybe, as you say, older sprinters just lose the belief in their Exocet missile invincibility and with it their chances are gone