The 'Manx Express': Mark Cavendish (High Road) (Image credit: Bettini Photo)
By Shane Stokes
Mark Cavendish has had a special run of success, winning the madison race with Bradley Wiggins at the world track championships last Saturday week and then taking consecutive stage victories in the KBC Driedaagse De Panne-Koksijde on Wednesday and Thursday.
"I am really happy to follow on from the worlds with two wins," he told Cyclingnews. "This is great, I didn't think my form would be so good. But it was okay, I had the speed there and I had such a strong team behind me to get me there for the sprint.
"I did this same race last year. It is ironic that I was nearly last every day then, so to come back and do good is quite promising. Especially with Scheldeprijs and Wevelgem coming up."
Taking victories on both road and track is a welcome boost for the rider, who made a sensational pro debut last year with 11 wins and is still only 21 years of age. "It wasn't expected, but it gives me confidence on how versatile I can be," he stated.
Next up for Cavendish is Gent-Wevelgem on Wednesday, then Scheldeprijs, the GP de Denain, the Tour of Romandie and the Giro d'Italia. He and the team will decide after that if he will ride the Tour de France.
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