After confirming his return, Mark Cavendish secures his first victory of the season.
In a thrilling sprint finish at the fourth stage of the Colombia Tour, British cyclist Mark Cavendish claimed his first win of the season. Over a 181.8-kilometer route from Paipa to Zipaquirá, Cavendish outpaced local favorite Fernando Gaviria to take the top spot.
The 38-year-old veteran tasted victory once again after announcing his comeback. This triumph not only marked his first win this season but also added to his impressive career total of 163 victories.
This win puts Cavendish level with Italian sprint legend Mario Cipollini in second place on the all-time list. However, he remains behind Belgian cycling great Eddy Merckx, who holds the record with 276 wins.
Last fall, Cavendish, known as the “Manx Missile,” signed a one-year contract with Astana-Qazaqstan Team, delaying his retirement plans to chase a stage victory at the upcoming 35th edition of the Tour de France, where he could break the record.
Currently in the Colombia Tour, Colombian rider Rodrigo Contreras leads the general classification, followed by Harold Tejada and Andrea Piccolo in second and third, respectively.
Notably, 2019 Tour de France champion Egan Bernal sits in eleventh place overall. The six-stage Colombia Tour will conclude on Sunday in the country’s capital, Bogotá, with all competitors vying for glory and wins.
The fourth stage of the Colombia Tour comprised two distinct parts. Starting in Paipa, riders faced a challenging climb up to Alto Sisga at 2,866 meters before descending steeply and crossing the highlands to reach Zipaquirá, Bernal’s hometown.
The race began with nine riders breaking away, setting the pace, while yellow jersey holder Contreras’ Nu Colombia team displayed their strength early on. Bingoal WB, with Davide Persicolo, took charge on the ascent of Alto Sisga, while Cavendish and Gaviria struggled in the main group but remained committed to closing the gap.
With 76 kilometers remaining, Cavendish found himself distanced from the leaders, but the Manxman was not alone. His Astana teammates, including Alexey Lutsenko, the Kazakh champion, rallied around him, demonstrating their prowess in high-altitude racing. They maintained a steady pace on the climbs and gradually worked to rejoin the front runners. With less than 40 kilometers left, Cavendish successfully rejoined the battle for the win.
As the race progressed, the breakaway group’s energy waned. Alexander Gil was the first to drop back, weakening the breakaway’s strength. Despite this, Cardona and Rosas continued their strong collaboration, maintaining a 20-second lead over the peloton. However, over the next 15 kilometers, their advantage dwindled as the chasing pack closed in.
With seven kilometers to go, the race entered its final sprint phase. Movistar Team closely followed Nu Colombia, ready to pounce. But their efforts were short-lived, and within a kilometer, the main group regained control. In the last dash to the line, riders fought fiercely for the win.
Jose Ramón Muñiz of Petroli Fina made a sudden attack with three kilometers to go, but his surge faded as the Astana train overtook him after the final kilometer banner.
On the flat sprint section, the stage was set for an intense showdown among the sprinters. Although it wasn’t Bernal’s day for victory, spectators eagerly awaited the outcome. As the group approached the final climb, discussions arose about whether Cavendish could triumph. “Cavendish won’t win today; this is Gaviria’s terrain,” a man confidently told his neighbor, draped in a flag.
However, as the pack appeared on the horizon like a whirlwind, anticipation grew. As the riders approached, their colorful jerseys shimmered in the sunlight, with Astana-Qazaqstan’s blue jerseys standing out. Their numerical superiority helped stabilize the chaotic situation, showcasing their team’s strength.
Under Michael Morkov’s guidance, followed by Cees Bol’s lead-out, Cavendish launched his final effort, defeating Gaviria for the win. Nelson Soto of Petroli Fina crossed the line in third, securing a spot on the podium.
General classification leader Contreras finished safely in the main group, retaining his yellow jersey for a second consecutive day, displaying excellent form and leadership.
This was Astana-Qazaqstan Team’s second stage win in the Colombia Tour, following Harold Tejada’s victory in Wednesday’s Santa Rosa de Viterbo race, which marked the team’s first win of the season.
After crossing the finish line, a sharp turn a few hundred meters ahead forced Cavendish to brake abruptly to avoid hitting waiting staff and journalists. This momentary chaos presented the flag-waving spectator with a chance to leap onto the road, shouting “Cavendish! Cavendish!” before joining the celebrating crowd.
Amidst the commotion, Cavendish hugged his teammates and received congratulations from Gaviria, celebrating the thrilling race. Eventually, amidst the pushing and pulling, he mounted the podium, basking in the spotlight.
As the crowd dispersed, Morkov found a quiet moment to grab a recovery drink, taking a large gulp. The Danish cyclist, who joined Astana during the winter, proved instrumental as Cavendish’s lead-out man in the straight. However, his role on Friday extended beyond that, as his calmness and stability were crucial in bringing Cavendish and Gaviria’s group back into contention after the split on Alto Sisga.
“It was chaotic out there. We were in a big bunch, and I felt many riders weren’t experienced in echelon riding; they were terrible at it,” Morkov recounted to the media. “But we managed to get back with some Movistar riders, ensuring Fernando and Cavendish could rejoin the fight. Winning when the team puts in such a massive effort is exhilarating. Our lead-out strategy worked perfectly, and we had five riders side by side in the last kilometers. With that kind of team power, it was hard not to win.”
Seated in the press room, Cavendish elaborated on the decisive moments of the race. He credited Morkov’s successful regrouping, which necessitated a strategic adjustment, with Morkov swapping positions with Bol to ensure the Dutchman would be key in Cavendish’s sprint phase.
“That switch was crucial,” Cavendish emphasized. “It was Michael Morkov’s smart decision. After all the chasing, he stayed calm and ensured I had the energy for the final sprint.”
Clarifying the misconception that he had been dropped on Alto Sisga, Cavendish firmly stated, “I didn’t get dropped; the peloton just split in two. Some people might have been too pessimistic, but it was just a looser group. When you realize other teams and strong sprinters are nearby, you have a chance to catch up.”
Overwhelmed with joy, Cavendish said, “I’m ecstatic. Today’s race was fantastic. My teammates were incredible at crucial moments, and the sprint was unbelievable. Seeing their performance, you understand why I wanted to ride for another year. My teammates, along with Movistar, got Fernando Gaviria and me back in the mix – it was amazing.”
Zipaquirá’s victory marked Cavendish’s 164th career win, with Colombia becoming the twentieth country where he has crossed the line first. While the focus will be on the Tour de France in July, every win throughout the season brings delight. “Every victory is thrilling,” Cavendish said. “For a sprinter, winning is the ultimate validation.”
Cavendish’s main purpose in Colombia was to undergo long-term altitude training, laying the groundwork for the rest of the season.
“I’m very satisfied. We’ve already achieved a victory with Harold Tejada, so we’re very happy with our performance in the Colombia Tour. Winning a sprint stage and seeing our sprint train give it their all was a very special moment,” Cavendish reflected.
Refusing the title of “Zipa” (king) in the sprint stages, a reference to the pre-Spanish Chibcha people who ruled the region, Cavendish humbly remarked, “Road cycling sprints are a team sport, requiring the collective effort and teamwork of every rider. I’d rather compare it to a republic than a personal kingdom. In this ‘republic,’ everyone is essential, and we strive for victory together. That’s the right way to understand and approach sprinting in cycling.”
Editor: Pie Pie