Mark Cavendish says he would be unlikely to be a professional cyclist if he was attempting to start now "because it is completely based on how strong you are".

 

The 39-year-old rode in his final race last weekend, winning the Tour de France Criterium in Singapore.

 

In July, Cavendish won a record-breaking 35th stage of the Tour de France, beating Eddy Merckx's total. He also won the road world title in 2011, 17 stages in the Giro d'Italia and three in the Vuelta a Espana.

 

He finished his career with 165 race wins over 19 years.

 

"I would not be a professional now. [but] if so many people just look at the scientific part it leaves a gap open for someone who looks tactically minded at things," he told BBC Radio 5 Live.

 

Cavendish was famed during his career for beating younger and stronger riders to the line based on the timing of his attacks and how long he could hold on to high levels of power.

Yeah I've heard him say that before - when I heard him interviewed he was comparing it to selecting basketball players just based on how tall they were. Which I guess isn't the best for the sport as those who do well in junior races might not ever get a professional contract, but it is the way the sport is going at the moment.

Tom Pidcock has officially left Ineos after rumours have been swirling around for a little while. Will be interesting to see where he goes!

Professional road cycling in Britain has a "broken pathway" after the demise of the final two domestic teams, says Tour de Yorkshire stage winner Harry Tanfield.

 

The 30-year-old Briton, who has competed at the top level in road cycling's World Tour, said future "talent will be lost", and medal hopes will be "impacted" without the reintroduction of teams at the professional domestic Continental level.

 

"There's no teams left for riders in the under-23 category," says Tanfield, who has just lost his contract with Saint Piran after the Cornish team announced the end of their programme, external last month.

Yeah I don't think cycling in Britain is on a positive outlook - that combined with the fact the Tour won't be on Freeview anymore means there's not much incentive for younger people to get into it.