Mark Cavendish will be free at the end of this season. According to Nieuwsblad, three teams want to sign The Etixx-Quick Step rider: Trek Factory Racing, MTN Qhubeka and BMC Racing Team. But Patrick Lefevere, the general manager, will meet the Cavendish’s agent in order to talk about the sprinter’s future.

"We made an appointment in Paris with his agent. Not to mention that three years ago, in October, Mark had signed his contract at the Cyclocross Ardooie, on the hood of the car," smiled Lefevere. "And there are not many runners who want to leave the team. Because they know the quality of the structure, the culture of cycling and the atmosphere there."

He added:  "About young riders, there will be not other signature for the next season. I have hired Fernando Gaviria, who beat twice Cavendish at the Tour de San Luis."