Mark Cavendish to race Tour de Yorkshire after recovery from injury

Mark Cavendish will return to racing at the Tour de Yorkshire after recovering from the injuries sustained in his crash at Milan-San Remo last month.

It will be the Dimension Data rider’s first participation in the race, which saw its first edition in 2015, the year after Cavendish crashed as he sprinted for the line in the opening stage of the Tour de France in Harrogate, his mother’s home town.

The 32-year-old broke a rib and also suffered an ankle injury in his crash at Milan-San Remo, which happened when he hit a large bollard shortly before the start of the climb of the Poggio.

> Video - Cavendish in horror crash as Nibali wins Milan-San Remo

He said: “I’m delighted to have recovered sufficiently from my injuries at Milan-San Remo to be back racing sooner than I initially thought and what better way to do that than at what could be described as a home race for me, the Tour de Yorkshire.

“My mother’s from Harrogate and obviously the last time I raced things didn’t go that great for me in the 2014 Tour de France, but one thing I do remember is the incredible crowds and I know that the Tour de Yorkshire always provides. It’s the first time that I’ve raced the Tour de Yorkshire and I’m extremely excited.

“Results-wise, I’m not sure where my form will be actually only having had a couple of weeks back on the bike but I’ll just be absorbing the atmosphere in one of the most beautiful places in the world.”

Welcome to Yorkshire Chief Executive Sir Gary Verity said: “Mark is a living legend in the world of cycling and we’re over the moon that he will be competing at the Tour de Yorkshire next month.

“His crash in Italy looked really serious but he’s such a tough, tenacious character and we’re thrilled he’s been able to make such a speedy recovery.

“I’m sure Mark will have his eyes on at least two of the stages on this year’s route and we can’t wait to see him launch his trademark sprint.

“It’s not every day you get to see a sportsman of his stature competing on home roads, and we’re certain he’ll receive a hero’s welcome.”

This year’s Tour de Yorkshire starts in Beverley on Thursday 3 May, having been expanded from three to four days of racing and full details can be found here.