Mark Cavendish: Leaving Team Sky after one year

Mark Cavendish will leave Team Sky and join Omega Pharma - Quick-Step ahead of the 2013 season.

The 2011 world champion admitted late in the season that he was likely to leave the British team, whose priorities were firmly set towards Grand Tour general classification success.

Cavendish played a big part in Bradley Wiggins' Tour de France victory, providing support throughout, but that meant only three stage wins including the finale in Paris.

"After a year of being part of the successes at Team Sky I've decided to leave to join Omega Pharma-QuickStep Cycling Team to pursue different goals," Cavendish said.

"It's been an incredibly fun year riding with friends I've grown up with but I'm super excited about riding with old friends and team-mates in one of the most successful and established teams in cycling.

"I believe in the team's project and I'm thrilled to be a part of it."

'True champion'

In an official statement Team Principal Dave Brailsford paid tribute to Cavendish's efforts over the 2012 season.

"Mark has been a true champion for Team Sky this year," Brailsford said.

"It's been an honour having the rainbow jersey in this team and great to work so closely with a rider I've known since he was a junior.

"He has been a real team player, making history in a Tour de France winning team.

"Cav won 15 races with us, including his first stage race, three Tour stages, and the fourth win in his unbeaten run on the Champs Elysees.

"The sight of him winning in Paris, with the yellow jersey leading out the world champion - both in Team Sky kit - is something you'll never forget.

"Mark also gets what Team Sky stands for and has been a real ambassador, on and off the bike, helping to inspire more people to ride and to love this sport.

"We all wish Mark the very best with his future ambitions in a new team and as a British rider."