Cavendish could quit Tour

Updated 19.10 Sat Jul 19 2008
Keywords: sport, tour de france, cycling, mark cavendish, bob stapleton

British cyclist Mark Cavendish could pull out of the Tour de France to prepare for the Olympic Games.

With four stage wins to his name this year, Cavendish struggled in the 14th stage of the gruelling Tour.

"I think we have to seriously consider him stepping out" - Bob Stapleton

He finished more than three minutes behind the leaders in the 195km stage to Digne-les-Bains.

Cavendish is currently 140th in the overall race and he could quit before the competition reaches the Alps.

Bob Stapleton, manager of Team Columbia, said: "He is clearly very tired. I think we have to seriously consider him stepping out. That's something we need to give full consideration to.

"It's important for us that he is part of that decision so we'll talk with him when he feels better."

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