Mark Cavendish admits his move to Team Sky feels like "coming home" ahead of one of the biggest challenges of his career.
Sprinter up for challenge with Team Sky
Mark Cavendish admits his move to Team Sky feels like "coming home" ahead of one of the biggest challenges of his career.
The Manxman enjoyed a prolific season in 2011, picking up the Tour de France's green jersey and world road race title and shortly afterwards announced his long-awaited move to Britain's WorldTour squad.
Cavendish was unveiled as one of the team's 10-strong British contingent, linking up with the likes of Bradley Wiggins, Chris Froome and Geraint Thomas.
The 26-year-old is also reunited with several former HTC-Highroad team-mates in Bernhard Eisel, Danny Pate and Kanstantsin Siutsou and feels Team Sky is his natural home.
"It is the first time as a successful rider that I have moved team so I cannot compare the feeling to anything else," said Cavendish.
"I can't imagine it would be anywhere near as easy to be in a team anywhere else. It is like coming home, where the riders are not just new team-mates but friends. They are guys I grew up with and a lot of my old team-mates are here anyway.
"On the management side, it is people I know very well with Rod Ellingworth and Dave Brailsford. To be honest, they are the people that made me who I am today so it is as simple as saying I am coming home."
Stellar season
The sprinter's success has seen him become the most famous faces in cycling and pick up numerous honours, while his partner is expecting their first child.
Cavendish added: "I set two goals in 2011. One was to win the green jersey, the other was to win the world championship. I did them both.
"We had to really work for the green jersey, and then the perfection we executed at the World Championships road race will go down as one of the highlights - probably the highlight - of my career.
"It will definitely be one of the most memorable World Championships by any team in cycling history. I don't think any team - not just a British team - has dominated the World Championships like we did last year. It was incredible to be part of that."
Cavendish is also happy to see the sport of cycling growing within his home country, a legacy he is keen to build upon in Team Sky colours.
He explained: "In my career, it is down to me and my team-mates as what you put in is what you get out. It is up to you. The fact the public are buying into what we are doing in cycling on a non-Olympic year is beyond words.
"And, for me, the news I am going to become a father sees any pride I get from anything surpassed. To think I am going to be a dad in April is unbelievable. It is the happiest I have ever been in my life."
