• Cycling

Greipel wants out of Cavendish's shadow

ESPN staff
April 28, 2010
Mark Cavendish is the top sprinter at HTC-Columbia © Getty Images
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Andre Greipel has confirmed he wants to leave HTC-Columbia the end of the season, a clear sign that he has no chance of ousting Mark Cavendish as the team's No. 1 sprinter.

Cavendish is one of the world's top sprinters and as such Greipel has found himself playing second fiddle to the Brit. Greipel is almost certain to miss out on a place at the Tour de France and he is ready to try his luck at a new team.

"Next year I will ride for a team where I can realise my ambitions," he told Sport-Bild. "My wins speak for themselves. I think I will be of interest to many teams."

Greipel has been in fine form this term but feels his talent is not being used to best effect by HTC-Columbia.

"If I were allowed to start in big races, then I would also prove there that I am one of the fastest sprinters in the world," Greipel said.

Commenting on the likelihood of missing the Tour de France, Greipel said: "I am now 27, and can't wait for ever. At any other team I would be in the Tour de France."

Cavendish was in action at the Tour of Romandie on Wednesday, but lost contact with the leaders on a climb as Peter Sagan took the stage. Team Sky's Ben Swift came home in ninth.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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