British coach: Cavendish justifies Rio spot with silver medal

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RIO DE JANEIRO (AFP) — Mark Cavendish justified his controversial Olympic selection by winning a silver medal in Rio, according to British head coach Iain Dyer.

The “Manx Missile” was desperate to be in Rio as he had never won an Olympic medal to go with his huge successes on the track and the road.

Dyer gave him the chance to prove himself and despite finishing only sixth in the track cycling world championships in March, Cavendish was given the nod to take Great Britain’s omnium place in the track cycling competition in Rio.

He came second behind Italian Elia Viviani following a thrilling battle over two days and six disciplines.

And that came less than a month after Cavendish won four stages in the Tour de France, taking his total to 30 — putting him second only to five-time Tour champion and Belgian legend Eddy Merckx.

Dyer said Cavendish is not “letting up on the road” while at the same time qualifying for the Olympics. “To deliver that sequence of rides over the two days was a fantastic performance,” he declared.

“It justifies our selection for the team, he’s done himself proud. Gold would have been the fairytale, but he can’t be unhappy with his ride.”

Cavendish had wanted to ride …

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