Cavendish confirmed for Six Day London

Manxman paving the way to Tokyo

Mark Cavendish is continuing his push towards the Madison at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics by last week confirming his attendance at the London Six Day this coming October.

Having twice finished second in London, the race, and his partner for the event, will take on extra significance this coming winter as the 2020 Games come slowly into view.

With his road commitments during the summer, Cavendish has only this winter and next to book his place on the GB squad, which means performing in the Madisons but more importantly making himself available for team pursuits.

With the GB team pursuit line-up already bursting with talent Cavendish knows he’ll have to commit to a solid track programme over the next two winters.

There is no confirmation on who will partner Cavendish at the event, though he will likely want to get practice with a possible partner for Tokyo.

The Manxman has previously cited Geraint Thomas and Peter Kennaugh, who he rode with at the London Six Day in 2017, as possible Olympic partners.

“Any Six Day is hard graft,” said Cavendish. “It’s mentally and physically exhausting.

“I am definitely in it to win it and I will give my all to give the crowd a home win.

“It won’t be easy though, there’s always a really strong field in London,” he added.

Should Cavendish be successful in his aim of winning Six Day London, he will be the first British winner since Tony Gowland in 1972, who took the win when partnered with Belgian Six Day king Patrick Sercu.

Six Day London takes place over October 23-28 and is hosted by Lee Valley Velodrome, the venue for the 2012 London Olympic Games. Tickets for the event start at £20.40.