Mark Cavendish has pulled out of the Tour de France, ahead of the final five stages, to focus on the Olympic Games.
The 31-year-old won four stages on the Tour this year to move to 30 overall. Only the great Eddy Merckx has won more in the history of the race. Cavendish wore the yellow jersey on Stage Two after winning the opening stage of the race. It was the first time he ever wore the leader's jersey.
He also led the green jersey Points Classification jersey for six days over the Tour, before pulling out late on Tuesday night, during the second rest-day.
What an incredible couple of weeks with @TeamDiData.. pic.twitter.com/FGJ34q9nRY
— Mark Cavendish (@MarkCavendish) July 19, 2016
Despite competing in two Olympic Games, Cavendish has yet to win an medal. That's something he hopes to change in Brazil next month.
In a statement released on the Team Dimension Data website on Monday night, Cavendish said the decision to pull out was made with "great sadness".
"After the heat and intensity of the previous stages, we analysed my fatigue levels and decided I’m at a point that would have a detrimental effect on my other big goal for the year, the Olympic Games. To leave a race and organisation that I hold so much respect for and a team that I have such a special bond with, has not been an easy decision at all."
Cavendish will be competing for Britain on the track in the Omnium event in Brazil. The Omnium will see cyclists compete over six separate races in Rio, looking to become Olympic champion.
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