Support road.cc

Like this site? Help us to make it better.

news

Mark Cavendish feeling (relatively) fit and healthy: “I haven’t studied physiology at Uni but you do not just lose it from one day to the next. It’s not possible”

“I’d rather smash every bone in my body than have this” he says about suffering Epstein-Barr Virus

Mark Cavendish says mismanagement of his Epstein-Barr virus has damaged his career and legacy. While conceding that he may never be the same again, the sprinter says that he is starting to feel strong after two seasons where he felt he was, “in races, but not racing.”

Cavendish has spoken before about his treatment for Epstein-Barr Virus, revealing that he spent 16 months racing with it following a misdiagnosis.

“I’d rather smash every bone in my body than have this,” he said speaking to The Cycling Podcast.

“I’ve got blood tests every month now. It was every couple of weeks previously. It’s to see trends really. It will never go. The virus never goes. But I feel strong. The power’s good.”

Expanding on that, he said that racing would ultimately provide a truer test as he has never been able to make the same sorts of effort day-after-day in training.

He added: “It may be that I’ll never be the same again. But I just have to try you know? I know if I put the work in I’m the best. It doesn’t matter what people think. If I’m healthy and I put the work in I’m the best. I don’t see how you can dispute it. Tell me when I’ve ever put the work in, and not been ill, and not been the best?”

Cavendish batted away suggestions he might be finished, pointing to a successful 2016 season shortly before he was diagnosed.

“Do you lose it just like that overnight?” he said. “I don’t think you just lose it from one day to the next. It doesn’t happen. I’m sorry. I haven’t studied physiology at Uni but you do not just lose it from one day to the next. It’s not possible.”

Alex has written for more cricket publications than the rest of the road.cc team combined. Despite the apparent evidence of this picture, he doesn't especially like cake.

Add new comment

3 comments

Avatar
jollygoodvelo | 5 years ago
0 likes

I've called the end of his career before and been wrong, and I hope to be wrong some more.  And this year looks a bit like the changing of the guard in the sprinting arena - Gaviria and Groenewegen still learning, Ewan unpredictable, Kittel and Greipel struggling for best form, so who knows what he might pick up.

Avatar
Jimmy Ray Will | 5 years ago
0 likes

I'd say his point is fair. he has the best record of anyone when fit and healthy. I also think the point highlights that he may not always have been putting in the efforts he recognises he needed to during quieter periods of his career.

I'd imagine that he will be doing everything he can now, I just hope for his sake that he's healthy and he can get back to where he belongs.

 

 

Avatar
RobD | 5 years ago
0 likes

A little bit of Cav convincing himself there, but I hope he does manage to have a good season this year. while his statement about being the best might be a bit strong, it's true that when he's had some good luck with being able to put in training and avoid injury and illness then it's impossible to rule it out. Hopefully his age won't be the limiting factor yet.

Latest Comments