Niall a real Devil
Cavendish green light for the Tour
MARK CAVENDISH will take part in the Tour de France despite the illness problems that have blighted him this season.
The world’s top sprinter will be at the start in Dusseldorf on Saturday after testing himself during last Sunday’s national road championships on the Isle of Man.
Cavendish, 32, was forced to take three months out after contracting glandular fever and only returned 10 days ago in the Tour of Slovenia.
Cavendish did not finish the national road race but, after strong riding on the early part SALFORD star Niall Evalds has signed a new long-term deal after rejecting offers from rival clubs.
The 23-year-old winger or full-back has spent his entire career with the Red Devils and had attracted plenty of interest throughout the Super League.
But he has chosen to stay with Ian Watson’s side in their dual assault on the league and Challenge Cup.
Head coach Watson, whose side lie third in the table, said: “Niall has been with us since of a very hilly course, he has finally got the green light for cycling’s premier race. “Had this not been the Tour de France, we may have collectively taken a different approach,” said the Dimension Data rider. “But I owe it to myself, the team, our sponsors and most of all the Tour itself to give my best.” After four more victories in 2016, Cavendish’s total of 30 Tour stage wins is second only to Belgian legend Eddy Merckx’s all-time record of 34. he was 15 and has made massive progress. “I’m really pleased he’s chosen to commit his long-term future with Salford. He has had to fight for his place this year and he’s let his performances do the talking.” ENGLAND full-back Jonny Lomax has signed a two-year contract extension with St Helens and coach Justin Holbrook said: “Jonny is an example to the younger players coming through.” NOVAK DJOKOVIC may only have one practice session with new coach Andre Agassi before the start of Wimbledon.
Djokovic has brought in former world No 1 Agassi to help him regain his form after a dismal year in which he will go into Wimbledon with no Grand Slam titles to his name for the first time since 2014. Last year he held all four.
John McEnroe claimed this week that Djokovic would have to work with Agassi for at least a month to see any benefit, but the American spent only the first week with him when he suffered a meltdown at the French Open, and it now looks as though he will only be turning up on the eve of Wimbledon.
Djokovic, who has also changed his usual preparation schedule to play at Eastbourne this week, said: “Andre’s supposed to arrive for this weekend. He’s going to be there before the tournament starts.
“He has a very busy life. He has a big family and lives on the west coast of America. He has got his foundation, his businesses, many things that are consuming a lot of time.
“I appreciate Andre’s consideration in working with me. We don’t have anything formal. It’s just as much as he can be with me. I accept that.
“He will stay as long as I stay in the tournament. In France, the eight or nine days we spent together were very valuable.
“It was interesting to hear his perspective, and what he sees to improve and try to get back on the level desired.”
Having lost his world No1 ranking to Andy Murray late last year, his struggles deepened as he went out of the Australian Open in the second round and suffered early defeats in Mexico, Indian Wells and Monte Carlo.
And Djokovic reached a new low at the French Open when, after losing a tight opening set in his quarter-final against Dominic Thiem, he crumbled, winning only three more games. “I completely lost my rhythm and confidence in Paris,” he said.
“It was unfortunate to end up that way. But it happens on a day that you’re not feeling your best and your opponent is.
“I had to move on. I’m aware of the fact that I’m not at the