Cav heads to Bahrain-Merida

Former world champion Mark Cavendish has agreed to join Team Bahrain-Merida for the 2020 season. The 34-year-old’s future at Team Dimension Data had been in doubt after he missed the Tour de France earlier this year, the first time he has not competed in the race since 2007. Friday’s news sees him join up with former coach Rod Ellingworth and he joins a strong roster which also includes Mikel Landa, Wout Poels and 2019 Tour de France stage winner Dylan Teuns. Cavendish, the winner of 30 Tour stages, has battled illness and poor form in recent seasons and says he is looking forward to his fresh challenge with the team, who will be rebranded Team Bahrain-McLaren for next season. “Joining this team is the fulfilment of a long-held ambition for me and is super exciting and motivating,” Cavendish said in a statement. “You could even say a dream come true. Having worked closely with McLaren in the past, and seen the benefits of their technology and processes, this was an opportunity I jumped at.” He added: “My relationship with Rod goes way back, and he’s been instrumental in helping me develop as a rider and a person. I can’t wait to join my new team-mates and do everything I can to help us achieve the successes I know will come.”