British Cycling has named Mark Cavendish in the lineup for the Road National Championships which are to take place on the Isle of Man this June. Having been sidelined with Epstein Barr Virus, more commonly known as glandular fever, since April, he's due to make his return to racing in front of a home crowd.
With the rider’s Dimension Data team having previously been cagey about setting a date for his comeback, it was a surprise to see the sprinter on the start list which was released by British Cycling.
He’ll take on defending champion Adam Blythe (Aqua Blue Sport) who’ll be looking to retain the title he won in Stockton-on-Tees last year.
Although Cavendish wouldn't mind the added morale boost of claiming the National Champion’s jersey, a feat he previously managed in 2013, in attending the race he’ll also be looking to gauge his form ahead of a hoped for slot to ride at the Tour de France in July.
This year both the men’s and women’s road races feature packed fields. In the women’s event Lizzie Deignan (Boels Dolmans) and Dani King (Cylance) will be looking to take the title from the reigning champion, Hannah Barnes (Canyon–SRAM).
In the time trial Alex Dowsett (Movistar) is a strong favourite to retain his jersey, while in the women’s event Hayley Simmonds (WNT) will be hoping to hold off Elinor Barker (Matrix) and Katie Archibald (WNT).
Taking place around part of the Isle of Man's famous motorbike TT course, Jonny Clay, British Cycling’s director of cycling said, ‘It’s fantastic to be able to announce a field of this quality for the National Road Championships.
'The calibre of the riders who’ll be taking to the start line speaks volumes for both the health of road racing in Great Britain and the draw of a championships taking place in such an iconic venue which is synonymous with our sport’.
The 2017 British Road National Championships
Thursday 22 June: time trials for elite men, elite women and under-23 men
Sunday 25 June: road races for elite men and elite women, incorporating championships for under-23 men and women respectively.