Mark Cavendish’s future in cycling has been a topic of speculation for years, especially since the legendary sprinter hinted at retirement after a challenging race in 2020. But despite announcing his retirement plans multiple times, Cavendish’s career has continued to unfold in unexpected ways, leaving fans wondering: what’s next for the Manxman?
A Farewell to the Bike, but Not the Sport
In November 2023, Cavendish wrapped up his illustrious racing career with a victory at the Singapore Criterium, a fitting end to a career that included an unparalleled feat in 2021—tying Eddy Merckx’s all-time Tour de France stage win record. With 34 stage wins and numerous accolades, Cavendish has earned a place in cycling history. But his final race isn’t the end of his journey in the sport. After his retirement, Cavendish has made it clear that his next chapter will remain rooted in cycling.
“I’m really looking forward to what the rest of my career holds, just not on the bike,” Cavendish told The Guardian in a recent interview. He hinted that his future may lie in cycling team management, an area he’s been preparing for in the background. “I’ve got a lot of life left and I still have to provide for my family,” Cavendish said. “I think that’s going to be in cycling team management. I know the sport, and I know how to build a team. That’s where I’m heading.”
A Future in Team Management?
Cavendish first revealed his plans for life after racing in October 2023. Speaking to Men’s Health, he explained that for the past few years, he’s been setting the stage for his post-cycling career. “I want to stay in management in the sport. I still love it. I brought a lot of people to this team [Astana-Qazaqstan] over the past two years, and I know what it takes to be successful,” he said. “I’ve been building up to the moment I’m not racing.”
Indeed, Cavendish has already taken steps toward establishing his future in the sport. He played a pivotal role in the recruitment of key staff at Astana-Qazaqstan, including Vasilis Anastopoulos, the team’s head of performance. Anastopoulos had worked with Cavendish at Quick-Step, helping guide him to his remarkable comeback at the 2021 Tour. More recently, Cavendish recommended two close friends for key roles at the team: Alex Dowsett, a former Hour Record holder, will join as a performance engineer in 2025, and Cavendish’s fellow Manxman Pete Kennaugh will take on his first WorldTour role as a sports director.
No Immediate Role at Astana-Qazaqstan
Despite Cavendish’s growing influence at Astana-Qazaqstan, team manager Alexander Vinokourov confirmed that the sprinter won’t be part of the team’s staff in 2025. Speaking to Cyclingnews, Vinokourov explained, “We have a good relationship with Mark, he was very important to us. But sometimes it’s not easy to find an exact role for someone in the team. Mark didn’t want to just be an ambassador; he wanted to be part of the decision-making structure, but that wasn’t possible yet.”
However, Vinokourov left the door open for a future role within the team. “We still have a good relationship, and we’ll see what happens later. Maybe in the future,” he said, suggesting that Cavendish’s involvement with the team could become a reality down the line.
A Break from the Bike
Cavendish, now 39, is not rushing back into team management. After nearly two decades of relentless racing, he’s taking time to enjoy life outside cycling. His family, especially his wife Peta, is a top priority. “Peta was with me in Singapore, and we were in Japan the week before. Those two weeks are the longest we’ve ever spent together, just us two,” Cavendish shared. “I want to do more of that with her.”
He’s also filling his calendar with new adventures. In January, Cavendish will head to Australia for the 25th anniversary celebrations of the Santos Tour Down Under. In April, he plans to run the Paris Marathon with his brother. “I will always ride my bike, but I want to run now,” he told Men’s Health, signaling his desire to explore new challenges beyond cycling.
A Future Return?
So, while Cavendish may not be behind the wheel of a team car in 2025, it’s unlikely that cycling fans have seen the last of him in the sport. If Vinokourov’s comments are any indication, Cavendish could return to the fold in the near future, potentially bringing his extensive experience and insight into a team management role. For now, however, the sprinter is enjoying a well-deserved break, with an eye on his next chapter in the cycling world—and beyond.
As a Knight Commander, Cavendish has achieved legendary status in the cycling world. But his journey is far from over, and for fans who have supported him throughout his career, the question remains: what will the future hold for Mark Cavendish?
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