Mark Cavendish has made it clear that next year's world road championship race in Australia is one of his top targets for 2010. The Englishman established himself as the fastest man on two wheels last season, and he is now setting the bar extremely high for himself for the upcoming year. In addition to world's, Cavendish has also stated that he wants to win his first green jersey at the 2010 Tour, a prize he narrowly missed out on last season to Thor Hushovd.
As of now there is a bit of uncertainty surrounding Cavendish's chances at winning the rainbow jersey next year. The British team has yet to be announced, and Cavendish will need a solid support team around him if he is to seriously threaten for the gold in Geelong next year. He'll also have to remain healthy and injury free leading up to the race, of sound mind and body when he comes to the start line next fall.
Anyone who doesn't rate Cavendish as one of the top favorites for the world title next year are either misled or ignorant of Cavendish's talent. He is a front-line explosive sprinter capable of taking victory in any race that doesn't feature steep climbs leading to the finish line. In some cases in fact, he can even deal with a climb close to the finish line, as he did in taking Milan-San Remo last year. Each season he has improved his ability to hang tough during climbs, and 2010 should see him improve once again.
The road course in Australia next year is already being touted as a sprinter-friendly course. There are rolling hills throughout the race, but the finish is flat. Cavendish will need to use his teammates wisely during the bulk of the race so that he conserves energy in the arid Australian heat, and he'll also need to be sure to keep several of his teammates fresh enough to provide him a solid lead out when the sprint begins.
If Cavendish has good health and a strong team with a good lead out train supporting him, he will be almost unbeatable next year in Geelong. He is a proven sprinter capable of besting any other rider providing he is set up properly in the final 500 meters. He face stiff competition next year for the world title, but he remains without a doubt the number one favorite for the win next year.
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Can Mark Cavendish Win the World Championship in Australia in 2010?
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2 comments:
Good luck to Cav.
Mr Euro Peleton,
Many thanks for all the great posts you've made over the past year. They are very much appreciated.
Keep up the good work!
I don't doubt that Cavendish is very fast. But he is eminently beatable because the British team of which he will be a part is not deep enough to give him both the full leadout he needs and the riders necessary to chase down the strong breakaways that happen in the last quarter of the World's almost every year. He'll have enough help to get one or the other of those two jobs done well, but I don't see how he'll have enough help to do both. As much as I hate to say it, the Italians seem to be the only ones with the depth and talent to have a really good chance to win -- at least as things appear from this far out.
I second Jason's thanks. You've done a fine job. Many thanks.
God bless.
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