Cavendish won four stages of Le Tour in 2016, giving him 30 in total and launching the Manx Missile above Bernard Hinault into second place on the list of all-time victories.
Only the great Eddy Merckx (34) now stands between the 31-year-old and becoming the most successful rider in the Tour’s history.
The switch of the Abu Dhabi Tour’s status means the event will now be held from February 23-26 instead of the October slot the two previous editions occupied.
However, before then he will be competing in the capital where the switch of the Abu Dhabi Tour’s status means the event will now be held from February 23-26 instead of October.
And Cavendish claims he and his fellow elite riders will be approaching top form in the Emirates as they warm up for the Spring Classics season.
“I’ll be in good form approaching Abu Dhabi,” Cavendish told Sport360 at the launch of the Abu Dhabi Tour at Yas Marina Tuesday.
“So will the other guys too. It’s the beginning of the European classics season just after the Abu Dhabi Tour so you’re going to have all the best riders in the world, all in great condition, and looking forward to competing in the main races.
“I want to do well here but my season will mainly be built around the Tour de France. I’ve won 30 stages there now and I’d like to capitalise on that and win more.”
Cavendish has a special affiliation with the Emirates, having been named ambassador for the inaugural Abu Dhabi Tour in 2015 and winning two of the four stages at the second edition last October.
And he’s relishing a quick return to the capital as the Tour moves to February and cooler climes.
The course has been extended from 555km to 672km and World Tour points will now be on offer for the first time, heightening the level of competition.
“I think it’s a good move to move the race to February,” he added.
“It means we’re going to get the best riders in the best condition and all preparing for the European classics season, so it makes sense to have it here then.
“We’re going to coming with a strong team, absolutely. It’s a World Tour race, it’s a big and important race, personally, and we want to come here and be successful.
“It’s going to be a spectacular race and one I’ll be hungry to win again. I’m happy to be here and will be trying to do my best to win.”
Cavendish will remain in the UAE for the Dubai Tour, which gets underway on Tuesday, and insists he is in good shape ahead of the new season.
He said: “Pre-season has been good. I’ve been at home on the Isle of Man. It’s been cold and wet but I’ve been getting there in terms of fitness.”
