Mark Cavendish praise for Geraint Thomas after ‘bucket-list sprint’ win at Giro d’Italia in Rome

Mark Cavendish lavished praise on his Astana Qazaqstan team-mates and friend Geraint Thomas after they helped him tick off a “bucket-list sprint” with victory in the final stage of the Giro d’Italia in Rome.

Cavendish endured a tough time in the 2023 Giro, as he suffered crashes and found little luck in the sprints.

Rather than abandon, Cavendish battled through the mountain time trial on the penultimate stage – to suggest he was ready to fight for victory in Rome.

Under the shadows of the Colosseum, Cavendish showed there is power in his 38-year-old legs as he ripped away from his rivals to claim his 17th stage win at the Giro and 162nd in all as a professional on the road.

While he showed plenty of dash, Cavendish was brought into position by his team and called on old alliances as Thomas did a huge turn at the front to keep him in an ideal position.

“I am very happy, super happy,” Cavendish told Eurosport. “It was a long, hard slog to get to the end of the Giro.

“We felt close a couple of time before and my boys did incredible, and my friends today were incredible.

“I just had some great friends today, long-time friends. It is pretty emotional.

“My first Grand Tour victory was in 2008 in the Giro, in Reggio Calabria. To win here in Rome, it is beautiful. That is a bucket-list sprint to do, outside the Colosseum.”

Cavendish was warmly greeted by his peloton rivals after the finish, and shared an embrace with Thomas.

“We saw yesterday with what he said, how upbeat and ever optimistic he is, despite losing the maglia rosa. That’s him down to a treat, it’s how he’s always been. He always sees a glass half full. That’s why he’s special.

“More than a great bike rider, he’s a ‘f*****g good person and a friend.”

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