Mark Cavendish will ride as a stagiaire for T-Mobile following his fine showing at the recent Tour de Berlin. Cavendish, the World Madison champion, will also compete for the team in three other European pro-cycling events.
Cavendish has been part of T-Mobile's Development Program since 2005, and will now be given the chance to make his mark during this test period with the Pro Team. The Tour of Britain will provide an opportunity for Cavendish to make an impression on home turf as the first British rider to wear the famous T-Mobile magenta jersey.
Toby Hester, Head of Sponsorship & Events for T-Mobile UK, said, "T-Mobile's cycling development program supports talented young riders with their training and development, with a long-term goal to integrate them into a pro team. We are delighted that our own UK rider Mark Cavendish is an early beneficiary of this scheme, and that The Tour of Britain will be one of his first challenges with the T-Mobile Team. We look forward to seeing him make the most of this great opportunity."
The Manx-born rider is a sprinter who can also hold his own as a climber, which should make him well-suited to the Tour of Britain's gruelling 2006 route.
Stages
Stage 1 - August 29: Scotland, Glasgow to Castle Douglas
Stage 2 - August 30: Northwest, Blackpool to Liverpool
Stage 3 - August 31: Yorkshire, (final route to be confirmed)
Stage 4 - September 1: West Midlands, (final route to be confirmed)
Stage 5 - September 2: Southeast, Rochester to Canterbury
Stage 6 - September 3: London, Greenwich to The Mall
