Tour de Yorkshire 2019: Mark Cavendish focused on health, not stage wins, in front of his family

The Manxman has returned after two years suffering with Epstein-barr virus

Mark Cavendish is focused simply on feeling healthy at the Tour de Yorkshire, and is putting no pressure on himself to deliver a stage victory in front of his family.

Cavendish’s mother lives in Yorkshire and the Manxman’s appearance is one of the most anticipated aspects of the race, after two years in and out of cycling suffering with Epstein-barr virus.

Speaking to The Independent, Cavendish says his goals have shifted in the context of his recent challenges, and he just wants to feel healthy.

“I don’t feel top of the game, but I feel human again,” Cavendish said. “I like racing at home. There’s not much pressure on me here. [Mark] Renshaw’s here but we haven’t got a team designed for the sprints.

“I’d like to give it a shot and I’m not just gonna swing round, but I’m not taking a load of pressure that I have to go away with a win.

“It would be nice, I always want to win, but I’m not too stressed about it. The goals this season is to get healthy again.”

The Tour de Yorkshire begins in Doncaster on Thursday, with a flat opening stage which culminates in Selby.