There are still around fifteen riders who competed in World Tour teams in 2022 and remained without a contract for the new season.

The most mysterious case concerns Mark Cavendish (37 years old): the former world champion, after his farewell to Quick Step, had trained with the Astana Qazaqstan Team, joining the team in Calpe, Spain, to participate in the retreat of last December. His signature, together with that of Cees Bol, seemed to have been done and instead no one has ever confirmed the agreement.

While Human Powered Health tried to bring Cavendish into the team, as explained by the general manager of the American team Jonas Carney, Astana published the photo of their riders without the presence of the Briton. Not exactly an encouraging sign for the man who lacks only one stage victory in the Tour de France to exceed the quota (now reached) of Eddy Merckx.

It seems clear that this is an economic problem, as well as the one concerning Domenico Pozzovivo (40), currently out of the Intermarchè Circus Wanty list, from which confirmation has come that he cannot reach an economic agreement with the Lucanian. He wants to continue racing but for now there is no good news.

With Miguel Angel Lopez (28) who should have reached an agreement with Team Medellin, a Colombian Continental formation, a team that will allow him to compete in some Proseries races starting with the Vuelta San Juan in Argentina, Nairo 's position still hangs in the balance Quintana (32), fresh from breaking up with Arkea after the events of the 2022 Tour. There has been talk of an interest from Israel Premier Tech for him but nothing concrete for now.

Italian cycling has lost Sacha Modolo (35 years old), not reconfirmed at Bardiani and without further opportunities in the professional field. Waiting for a contract are Davide Villella (31), out of Cofidis, Enrico Battaglin (33), formerly of Bardiani, Oliviero Troia (28) of Uae Emirates, Edward Ravasi (28), with Eolo in 2022, and the trio former Drone Hopper made up of Filippo Tagliani and Simone Ravanelli, both 27 years old, and Leonardo Marchiori of 24.

Photo Sprint Cycling

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