Within a week of unveiling the four Abu Dhabi Tour jerseys, Mark Cavendish was forced to end early his racing season. On 8 October the Etixx – Quick-Step rider will not be lining up at the start in the ADNOC stage, the beginning of the Abu Dhabi Tour, but he will still be present as the Official Ambassador.

“It has been a very difficult decision,” said Cavendish about choosing to have surgery. “However, 10 days after the crash, I’m still in pain and I can’t lift or pull much weight. I’m so disappointed to end the season like this; the UCI World Championships and the Abu Dhabi Tour were two important objectives for the end of my season. But there’s nothing I can do now except take a period of rest, and then start with intensive rehab.”

“We regret Mark Cavendish’s absence from the race itself,” commented Mr. Aref Hamad Al Awani, Abu Dhabi Sports Council General Secretary, “but he still remains a Guest of Honour of the first Abu Dhabi Tour. Depending on his recovery, we will be glad to involve Mark in all the official activities, including the UCI Cycling Gala awards ceremony.”