Cav makes low-key comeback in Turkey

Astana Qazaqstan team-mate Lutsenko wins GC

- Vern Pitt, Tom Thewlis

Mark Cavendish made an understated return to racing at the Presidential Tour of Turkey last week.

It was the first time the Manxman had turned the pedals in anger since he crashed out of the Tour de France in July. Since then he has been recovering from a broken collarbone.

Cavendish announced his intention to postpone his previously promised retirement and continue racing in 2024 just weeks before the race started in Alanya on the Mediterranean coast.

However, his team were clearly focused on the GC, despite the race containing a plethora of sprint stages, and played down any expectation that Cavendish might be in winning shape. Indeed, the Manxman played a team role, working on the front, and only cracked the top 100 on one occasion, finishing 66th on the first stage and providing little clue as to how well his recovery from injury had gone.

Cavendish was intent on keeping a low profile and declined to speak to press, including Cycling Weekly, at the race.