Mark Cavendish to skip the Scheldeprijs 2012
Mark Cavendish of Team Sky will not defend his title at the 2012 version of the Scheldeprijs. The cyclist succeeded during the 2007, 2008 and 2011 versions of the race and has opted out of the race this year.
Cavendish will skip the race because of the forthcoming birth of his first child. The cyclist and his girl friend are expecting a baby girl on April 5th, one day after Scheldeprijs.
Mark started his professional pursuit with Team Sparkasse in 2005, and spent a period of two years with the side.
He accepted an offer from Team HTC in 2006, and helped the team with a number of victories during his long stay with the American squad.
Team HTC announced its departure from professional cycling by the end of the 2011 season and Mark had no other option but to find a new home to continue his professional goals.
The cyclist accepted an offer from the British side, Team Sky in 2012 and is enjoying a terrific season with them.
He has already filled his bag with as many as four victories in the young season, including the 3rd and the 5th stage of the Tour of Qatar.
The 26-year-old also claimed the 2nd stage of the Tirreno-Adriatico and secured the red jersey for two consecutive stages, stage 2 and 3.
Cavendish marked a perfect start to his 2012 campaign by winning the Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne 2012 and is looking ahead to capitalise on his current form.
While commenting on the new entrant in his family, Mark told The Guardian, "I know every dad probably says this but I don't think there's going to be a baby more loved than this one".
"Her room's ready. Her stuff's ready. Her mum's ready. I'm more than ready. She's due on 5 April and I've got three-and-a-half weeks at home so it works out perfect. It's already changed me. It's made me more motivated than ever," he concluded.
Mark is expected to get back on his bike at Tour of Romandie scheduled on April 24, 2012.
Chris Sutton will lead Team Sky in his absence and will be accompanied by Mathew Hayman, Jeremy Hunt, Christian Knees, Bernhard Eisel and Juan Antonio Flecha at the Belgian race.
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