With the opening of the transfer period, which under International Cycling Union (UCI) rules is August 1 to December 31, there has been growing speculation about the future of Mark Cavendish’s position with HTC-Highroad. Cav, of course, won the Green Jersey with the team (the first Brit to do so) at last month’s Tour de France but as his contract with them is due to expire at the end of 2011 there has been growing speculation that the Manx Missile will make the move to rivals Team Sky. Speaking to Jonathan Legard on BBC Radio 5 live, the 26 year old sprinter remained tight-lipped on the subject, refusing to be drawn on an answer as to where his future might rest, but confirming, “I’ve had many, many offers and you have to look at every aspect…you have to look at every option.” When Legard pushed him with, “Do you know but you can’t tell us?” Cavendish responded with a succinct, “Yes.”
Like many other riders, and regardless of which team he settles on, Cavendish will be under exceptional pressure this time next year with the Tour de France scheduled to finish barely days before the London Olympics are due to begin. In two week’s time (August 14) Cavendish will be taking part in the 140km London-Surrey Cycle Classic, a test run of the 2012 road race event.
