Various cycling agents are suggesting that Mark Cavendish and some of his lead-out men are just waiting to pen a deal that will see them join MTN-Qhubeka in 2016.

“He is going to decide on a project to give him good results in 2016 and 2017. The 2016 season is important with the Doha worlds that suit him. Many say MTN, and I agree,” Italian Alex Carera said. “MTN can get in the Tour and the Vuelta, which will be great for his Doha (Worlds) aim. He will want to race the Vuelta for the worlds next year.”

Former rider Baden Cooke, now an agent, has gone so far as to suggest that until it is known where the 30 year old Brit rides in 2016, many other teams are not able to sign riders, meaning Cavendish is jamming the market.

“It’s unique [when] one guy can jam up a whole market. Any team that he speaks to, they need to allow for a couple of his boys to come, like [Mark] Renshaw, a soigneur and a director maybe. If a team is in with a chance, they have to leave three to four spots clear. A month ago it was worse, there were a few teams holding off, but now some of them have dropped out, teams like Trek.”