Mark Cavendish (Team Dimension Data for Qhubeka) was unable to start today’s Scheldeprijs due to an overuse ankle injury, his team have confirmed, and the Manxman will also be unable to line up at this weekend’s Paris-Roubaix due to the injury.
Cavendish, who last competed at Milano-San Remo, has been hampered by pain felt in his right ankle. The discomfort was first felt on the penultimate stage of Tirreno-Adriatico in March and has hindered the sprinter since.
With the Tour de France being the focus of the Manxman’s season this year, the team want to ensure he is in peak condition come July.
“With this goal in mind and as a precautionary measure, our African Team will alter Cavendish’s race program accordingly so that a full recovery can take place before returning to action,” the team confirmed in a statement.
“Mark sustained an overuse injury of his right ankle while competing at the Tirreno-Adriatico race,” confirmed Dr Jarrad Van Zuydam – the team’s doctor.
“The injury was thought to be resolving but has unfortunately flared up again during training. Further investigation and treatment is necessary over the coming days to resolve the injury before Mark returns to racing. We are hopeful of a speedy recovery, though it would be premature to set a date for his return to racing at this stage.”
Reckon it could be Peter Sagan’s year all being well.