Mark Cavendish’s Tour de France hopes get major boost as Astana Qazaqstan sign leadout star Michael Morkov

Mark Cavendish’s hopes of winning again at the Tour de France have received a major boost after Astana Qazaqstan confirmed leadout extraordinaire Michael Morkov will join the team in 2024.

He formed a formidable alliance with Morkov at Deceuninck Quick-Step in 2021, marking his return to the Tour with four stage wins as he equalled Eddy Merckx’s record haul of 34.

Cavendish was prevented from shooting for the outright record in 2022 after Fabio Jakobsen was preferred as Quick-Step’s sprinter, prompting a move to Astana Qazaqstan for a final crack in 2023.

However, his Tour swansong unravelled when he broke his collarbone in a heavy fall in July – just one day after a mechanical issue saw Jasper Philipsen overhaul him in the finale to Stage 7.

Now the Manx Missile plans to return to cycling’s biggest stage once more in 2024 and has the perfect team-mate to guide him through chaotic finishes in Morkov.

“I am really excited to join Astana Qazaqstan Team in 2024, it is a team which lives a huge development, and I am honoured to come there in the right moment,” said Morkov.

“And, of course, I am happy to reunite with my former team-mate Mark Cavendish to chase the new victories for him but also for Astana.”

Meanwhile, Vasilis Anastopoulos has joined Astana Qazaqstan as their head of performance.