Mark Cavendish quits Team Sky
MARK CAVENDISH has joined Belgium’s Omega Pharma-QuickStep after negotiating a release from Team Sky 12 months into a three-year contract.
Earlier this week the Manxman was preparing for a second season with Team Sky after protracted talks over an early termination broke down.
It is understood Team Sky relented and waived a release fee, allowing Cavendish, 27, to sign a three-year deal with the Belgian team.
Cavendish said: “It has been an incredibly fun year riding with friends I’ve grown up with. But I’m super excited about riding with old friends and team-mates in one of the most successful and established teams in cycling.
"I believe in the team’s project and I’m thrilled to be a part of it.”
Cavendish claimed the world title in September 2011 and helped Bradley Wiggins become the first British winner of the
Tour de France in July.
It has been an incredibly fun year riding with friends I’ve grown up with
Team Sky principal Dave Brailsford said: “Mark has been a true champion for Team Sky this year.
“It has been an honour having the rainbow jersey in this team and great to work so closely with a rider I’ve known since he was a junior.