Mark Cavendish has agreed a deal to return to Deceuninck-QuickStep for the 2021 season.

The Manx Missile will remain in the professional ranks after putting pen to paper on a one-year contract with the Belgian outfit.

Cav’s future has been subject to much speculation in recent months and the 35-year-old even hinted that he could be about to retire after it became apparent he would not be renewing his contract with current team Bahrain-McLaren.

However, the Manxman will now rejoin the Quickstep team he enjoyed considerable success with between 2013-2015.

After the deal was announced, Cav commented: ’I can’t explain how delighted I am to be joining Deceuninck-QuickStep. I have never hidden my affection for my time with the team and to me this genuinely feels like I am coming home.’

More in Tuesday’s Isle of Man Examiner.