Team Bahrain Merida signs iconic British rider Mark Cavendish MBE
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- Team Bahrain Merida signs iconic British rider Mark Cavendish MBE
October 25, 2019
Sprint star, Mark Cavendish, will join the exciting pro cycling joint venture between the Kingdom of Bahrain and racing, technology and automotive brand, McLaren, for the 2020 season. Cavendish is widely regarded as the greatest sprinter in the history of the sport, having won a phenomenal 48 Grand Tour stage wins during his career, including 30 at the Tour de France.
The signing cements a long-standing relationship between Cavendish and McLaren, dating back to the star sprinter’s world championship success on a bike co-developed with McLaren. The 2011 World Road Race Champion is the latest high-profile signing to an increasingly impressive line-up, led by team principal Rod Ellingworth, which now includes Mikel Landa, Wout Poels, and 2019 Tour de France stage winner, Dylan Teuns.
Mark Cavendish commented:
“Joining this team is the fulfilment of a long-held ambition for me… and is super exciting and motivating. You could even say a dream come true. Having worked closely with McLaren in the past, and seen the benefits of their technology and processes, this was an opportunity I jumped at. My relationship with Rod goes way back, and he’s been instrumental in helping me develop as a rider and a person. I can’t wait to join my new teammates and do everything I can to help us achieve the successes I know will come.”
Rod Ellingworth, Team Principal of Bahrain Merida, commented:
“Mark’s signing completes our rider roster for 2020 and gives us the balance the team needs to win. Mark is a proven champion and has a lot to contribute – both on and off the bike. Having last worked with him at the 2016 Rio Olympics and Qatar World Championships, I’ve been delighted to see that his energy and determination to succeed are greater now than ever. We’re going to do everything in our power to enable him to perform at his best.”
John Allert, Managing Director, McLaren Pro Cycling, commented:
“Mark has been a friend of McLaren for many years - indeed it was partly our previous work with him that kindled our interest in the sport. It actually feels like Mark is coming home. Together we share a passion for the romance and heritage of racing in all its forms, as well as a desire to keep innovating and improving in order to win. I’m delighted he’s joining the team.”