2012 Begins

Cav will be making his debut as a Team Sky rider this weekend at the Tour of Qatar. Following on from his fantastic 2011, Mark wants to make a strong start to the new year which includes the prospect of a second Tour de Fance, Green Jersey and an Olympic gold medal.

Qatar is six days of action on very flat, windy desert roads which will be a tough challenge for the Manxman although it has traditionally favoured sprinters.

Having worked hard through the winter, training at home and abroad he is now excited to get the season underway.

Cav said: “It’s been really good. I’ve had a solid winter and I want to perform all through this year”

Mark is keen to have success through the whole season and not just the high-profile four week block during the summer, repeating his success of 2009.

He added: “The last couple of seasons it’s always been about the Tour de France but now I want to repeat 2009 where I was successful throughout the whole season and I don’t want to be chasing July. I want to know exactly where I am in May and June so I can perform my best at the Tour de France and the Olympics.”

Mark is extremely happy with his new British team at a time when cycling has really taken off with the British public.

“It’s a good feeling to know I’m doing something to promote a sport that I love in the UK – it’s incredible to see and it warms me every time it happens.”