Mark Cavendish is about to enter his 15th season at the World Tour level, but he appeared as passionate and emotional as a neo-pro player at the Detunink Quickstep team presentation on Wednesday, claiming that he has battled mononucleosis for several years and that 2021 Despite the fact that it could be the last season of his long career, he still remained motivated and claimed to love the sport. [I'm a realist. I'm not trying to hold on to anything or end my career like a fairy tale. I just think I am still a good player," he said at the Belgian team's media day in Spain.

Cavendish's natural bullishness was tempered by realism, but it was clear that he was happy to still be racing in 2021. There was no talk of breaking Eddy Merckx's Tour de France stage win record.

"If I wanted to win six stages in the Tour de France, it would be like being in a fairy tale.

"But even if we don't win, I think we can add something to this team. Last time I added something to them and they added something to me. So if it's my last year, or even if I have another 10 years, what if I don't add to the team?

"After all, I was happiest when I was here, and the opportunity to come back and race for Detunink Quickstep is a dream.

Cavendish was on the verge of tears after Ghent-Wevelgem in late October of last year, worried that his professional career was over. However, his emotions sparked interest from several teams, and he eventually signed a deal with Deceuninck-QuickStep team manager Patrick Lefebvre to return to the team he raced for from 2013 to 2015.

The team's budget was inadequate, which sparked suggestions that Cavendish was prepared to take a free ride to secure a position with Deceuninck-QuickStep. The terms of his contract with the team were not disclosed, but bike sponsor Specialized and others are apparently happy to have Cavendish on the team.

"There was really only one place I wanted to go.

"This team was the best of my career. I tried other places, but looking back, I wish I had stayed here throughout my career. I have a great relationship with the team, the staff, and the sponsors, especially Specialized. I helped develop the Venge. It was built for me and proved to be the best bike for me to win on."

Deceuninck-QuickStep has lead sprinter Sam Bennett, winner of the Tour de France green points jersey, and Colombian Alvaro Hodeg, while Fabio Jacobsen is He is slowly recovering.

Cavendish lacks confidence in his race program and knows that the sprinters' chances are dwindling. However, he is happy to be able to dress in Deceuninck-QuickStep's new blue collar.

"Like many riders, I just love to race. But first, I hope that the world can get back to some sort of normalcy and that people can stay safe. I know that vaccines are being given out right now.

"I feel the same way as the Belgian fans, I just hope that the world can get back to some sort of normalcy and people can be safe.

"Cycling has been my life for as long as I can remember and always will be. I don't know how long it will last, on and off the bike, but right now I just want to enjoy racing and thankfully I'm wearing the Detunink jersey this year."