After joining Team Dimension Data for 2016, 2017 and 2018, Brain Smith, who is the general manager of the team under its current guise of MTN-Qhubeka, says that Mark Cavendish wont just sprint at the team, but will be allowed to enjoy racing, like he does when he rides the national championships.

“Mark joining the team is a big step or us but one I think we’re ready for it,” Smith told Cyclingnews.

“It will change our goals and objectives but also offer Mark a great chance in a key moment in his career. His arrival and the growth of the team will in turn help us develop African cycling even more and raise the profile of our Qhubeka bike charity work.” 

Smith says that he would personally love to see the Manxman race more, rather than just rely on his fast finish to take races.

“He’s arguably the best sprinter in the world and so has always had a lot of responsibility on his shoulders to win but I think it’d be great if Cav races more,” Smith said.

“We saw what he can do on even tough courses like this year’s British national championships. He didn’t win but was raced really hard without thinking about a possible sprint finish. He actually loves to get stick and is a naturally astute racer. Without taking anything way from his previous teams, I think we’ll see a different Cav with us in 2016. We have a different approach, a different philosophy, we want the riders to go out and enjoy their racing. I think if Mark gives up a few sprint chances but races more with his heart, it’ll motivate him even more and the team as a whole. We don’t want to pigeonhole Mark as just a sprinter. I think he can be far more than that.”