Mark Cavendish has admitted that the 2017 cycling season has been the toughest of his career so far.

The Manx Missile has endured an extremely frustrating year for Team Dimension Data, missing large periods of the campaign after first contracting Epstein Barr Syndrome (glandular fever) and then suffering a broken shoulder blade at the Tour de France.

As such, Cav withdrew from last month’s UCI World Road Race Championships, in which Onchan resident Ben Swift led the British charge in fifth place.

Despite that, the Manxman was back in action at the Paris Tours race over the weekend - where he finished 56th - and his season is not yet over.

Speaking to Cycling News, Cavendish commented: ’I’ve got to keep racing this year, so that I don’t affect next year. I’ve had so little racing due to my illness and injuries that I’ve got to carry on through.

’I’m not chasing success, I’m realistic about that, I’m just going to ride my bike and help the team.

’I’d even considered riding the Tour of Guangxi but it clashes with the London Six Day, which I’m riding with Pete Kennaugh.

’This has been my toughest season. There’s only so much you can do before it affects you in the head. I’m pretty strong mentally but it’s been hard this time.

’I still love riding my bike but it’s hard when you’re chasing form. It’s my job as well as my passion in life, so I have to get on with it. I’m still motivated.’