Great Britain’s Mark Cavendish (Astana) has been forced to abandon the Tour de France 2023 – the final Tour de France of his notable cycling career – because of a heavy crash at the back of the peloton during stage 8.

Cavendish fell on his right shoulder and has apparently fractured his right collarbone.

Cavendish entered the ambulance immediately following the crash and looked disappointed and devastated, while being in physical pain as well.

Cavendish had animated this year’s Tour de France in impressive style. Smiling and open he had been greeting many fans along the route, spread high spirits within the peloton, and yesterday he delivered a powerful sprint that many thought would result in him securing his 35th Tour stage victory of his memorable cycling career. Unfortunately, Cavendish was overtaken by stage winner Jasper Philipsen in the final meters.

Cavendish recently won stage 23 of Giro d’Italia following a powerful sprint effort in the streets of Rome.

Now Cavendish’ final Tour de France has ended in physical and emotional pain for the Manx Missile.

X-rays carried out later in the day in a nearby hospital confirmed that Cavendish has fractured his right collarbone. However, the injuries sustained in today’s crash also caused an osteosynthesis screw in Cavendish’s shoulder to become loose. The screw is now moving inside Cavendish’s shoulder, which is causing significant additional pain for the Manxman. The osteosynthesis screw was inserted in Cavendish’s shoulder during surgery carried out after his crash in Tour de France 2017.

Cavendish will return to England to undergo needed surgery. The whole team here at Roadcycling.com is wishing him a full and speedy recovery and is hoping to see him return to top form and achieve great results later this season. We hope Cavendish will try his luck in Tour de France 2024 instead of ending his career following this season as previously announced.

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