Mark Cavendish of Omega Pharma – Quick step attended a presentation of Specialized's Racing technology at the McLaren Formula One headquarters along with Alberto Contador, Vincenzo Nibali and Zdenek Stybar, where he spoke of his main objectives for the upcoming season. According to La Gazetta dello Sport British sprinter was forced to change his spring racing schedule after the Pompeiana climb was added to the Milan – San Remo route and it’s very unlikely for Cavendish to participate in La Classicissima as long as the race remains in its present form.

Cavendish, winner of the Milan – San Remo in his first ever participation in 2009 claims, that after the route of the “Sprinter’s Classic” has been changed – which means inserting the Pompeiana climb only 20km from the finish line, it became a dramatically different race, more suited to Grand Tour climbers and Ardennes Classics riders such as Vincenzo Nibali (Astana) and Philippe Gilbert (BMC). Both have made Milan-San Remo their first goal of the new season, while Cavendish has been forced to change his big goal for the spring.

"Milan-San Remo? I won't take part. And if the route stays the same, perhaps I'll never ride it again. My success in 2009 is destined to be unique," Cavendish told La Gazetta dello Sport

After the circumstances have changed, Cavendish was forced to re-think his racing program and follow the schedule similar to the one he had for 2013 season, including participation in both Giro d’Italia and Tour the France. Although la Grande Boucle with its Grand Depart in Great Britain and with the finish of a first sprinters’ stage situated close to Cavendish’s family house in Harrogate has to remain the mail objective for the British sprinter, he will also chase his success in the Italian Grand Tour.

Cavendish has won five stages and points jersey in his participation in the Giro d’Italia in 2013, but it might be all for the eager Rigoberto Uran and GC rivalry in the upcoming edition of the Italian Grand Tour, while Omega Pharma – Quick Step decided to fully support the Briton during their Tour de France campaign.

"The Tour starts in Leeds, close to where I live. I can perhaps win six or seven stages. But I'd also like to ride the Giro d'Italia where there are just as many chances for the sprinters," he told Gazzetta dello Sport.