Mark Cavendish closing in to claim the top overall position at the Tour of Qatar 2012
Stage 3 winner of the Tour of Qatar, Mark Cavendish, held a press conference after the race. The cyclist commented about his illness which affected his debut race with the British team.
The cyclist briefed that he has not fully recovered from the illness and will take a few more days before gaining his full strength back.
He struggled during the opening stage of the race and could not secure any better than the 49th position.
The 26-year-old was looking much better during the 11.3 kilometre stage 2 of the race. He claimed the 20th overall position after the stage 2 classifications.
He commented, “I might feel a bit weak for the next couple of days but day to day I should be feeling stronger".
Mark explained that his biggest threat for the season ahead is Matthew Goss and believes that the Australian is the only cyclist who can defeat him during the sprints.
Goss is currently representing Shayne Bannan’s side, Team GreenEdge for the 2012 season and has established himself as a fine sprinter and climber.
Cavendish admitted that the only man who he fears can overcome him is Goss.
He cited, “When he’s on form he arrives there fresh, he can climb well and he’s clever on the bike. I’ve known him a long time and raced amateurs with him. He’s the only man that I believe can beat me if I don’t make a mistake”.
Team Sky’s rider started the third day of the race wearing his rainbow jersey and showed no signs of illness during the 145.5 kilometre stage 5 of the race.
He sprinted pass the finish-line ahead of the overall race leader Tom Boonen to claim the first 2012 victory for himself and the team.
Moreover, it was also Mark’s first win since the UCI World Championships 2011.
Cavendish has now jumped to the third overall position and Tom Boonen is leading the stage 3 classifications.
Tyler Farrar is 6 seconds behind Tom at the second position and is 2 seconds ahead of Cavendish.
Boonen’s dream of overall win at the Tour of Qatar now seems in danger as Cavendish is closing in. With three more stages to go, the reigning World Champion is pretty much capable to grab the top podium position at the race.
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