Astana Kazakstan is prepared to build a new, stronger sprint leadout for Mark Cavendish if he decides to continue racing, and team manager Alexander Vinokurov is prepared to "find a solution" and create a new contract for 2024 ...

Cavendish crashed in stage 8 of the Tour de France and broke his collarbone. He underwent surgery, but will take several weeks to recover and begin training on the road.

He announced at the Giro d'Italia in May that 2023 will be his last season, but Vinokourov hopes that Cavendish will compete in the Tour de France again in 2024, finishing his career in the best possible way, and that the Tour de France stage he currently shares with Eddy Merckx He expressed his ambition to break the record for the number of stages won, currently shared by Eddy Merckx.

"Yes, I want Mark to compete in his 15th Tour de France again in 2024 and win his 35th stage victory," Vinokurov said after Cavendish's crash.

"I myself broke my femur in the 2011 Tour. But I didn't want to end my career like that. Mark has the same mentality and the willpower to achieve his final goal. We are ready to offer him that chance. But it's up to him to decide."

Cavendish has yet to reveal his future plans, but seems eager to race again in 2023. Vinokourov revealed that he may travel to Paris next Sunday for the final stage of the Tour de France and a celebration with his teammates. This could be an ideal time to talk with Vinokourov about his future plans.

According to Tuttobiciweb, Vinokourov is already busy negotiating with athletes who can serve as lead-out riders and sprinters in Astana Kazakstan in 2024.

The Italian website suggests that German Max Kanter of Movistar could be part of the lead-out train, and Jordi Meeus, currently with Bora-Hansgrohe, could be the lead-out man or alternative sprinter He states that.

Vinokourov seems ready to meet any demands of Cavendish.

"He has to decide if he wants to continue. Then we will find a solution," Vinokurov told Bicisport.it in Italian.

"I think Mark could have won the stage. I can't say for sure, but he wanted to do well.

"He had surgery and is recuperating at home. He will probably come to Paris and celebrate the end of the Tour with his team."