Yeah, but the Cavendish of old didn't do a full somersault over a barrier as part of his preparation. Also, another year older is never good news for sprinters. At which point does he start going for breakaway wins?
Don’t think he’s going to succeed in breakaways, he is pretty much guaranteed to beat them at a sprint, so his companions will drop him in the hills or put the power down on the flats.
Of course, but the Cavendish of old, and even two years ago, would’ve won from that position.