LES HERBIERS, France (AP) — Mark Cavendish says he will not be swayed by expectation or buckle under pressure as he bids to clinch his first Tour de France sprint jersey.
Although Cavendish has won a formidable 15 Tour stages over the last three Tours, the sprint champion’s coveted green jersey has eluded the 26-year-old British rider. That, rather than collecting more stage wins, fuels his ambition.
Speaking on the eve of the Tour, Cavendish said on Friday that “I always set my own standards and goals” and “I don’t let outside expectation dictate how I ride.”
Cavendish was second last year behind Italian Alessandro Petacchi, and second to two-time Tour sprint champion Thor Hushovd in 2009. Cavendish pulled out before the Alpine stages in 2008 to conserve energy for the Olympic Games.
