Mark Cavendish takes third place in Scheldeprijs sprint
Astana Qazaqstan’s Mark Cavendish secured a third-place finish in the 111th Scheldeprijs, the oldest race in Flanders. Cavendish, the British champion, briefly led the race but was overtaken by winner Jasper Philipsen and Sam Welsford. Reflecting on the race, Cavendish said, “I had to go very long from where I normally wanted to go – at 250 meters to go if you are well sheltered. And then Jasper came, with such a speed…”
This marks Cavendish’s second podium spot for the Astana Qazaqstan Team, and Sports Director Stefano Zanini expressed his happiness with the result. He said, “Especially after our let’s say so far difficult classics season, this result makes me happy. I am especially happy for Mark as this will give him a boost after his sickness of the last weeks.”
Cavendish also praised his teammates for their exceptional teamwork and the way they kept him in front throughout the race. He added, “I always love to come back to the Scheldeprijs. The sprint here is always a bit chaotic. You really need to look you don’t crash but I have great memories here.”
Looking ahead, Cavendish’s next race will be the Giro di Sicilia, starting on April 11th.
[Photo credit: @SprintCycling](https://cdn.astana-qazaqstan.com/app/uploads/2023/04/05175457/sprintcyclingagency_0681054_1_originali.jpg)
