Matthew Brennan is not the new Mark Cavendish – he might be even better than that
The 21-year-old has won five stages in his debut Grand Tour, but this is just the start
In the world of professional cycling, there are few riders who can claim to dominate their sprint finishes with such absolute authority. One such rider is Matthew Brennan, the 21-year-old from Darlington who has recently won five stages at this year's Vuelta a España, his debut Grand Tour. These words are not just about Brennan, but they could well be about Mark Cavendish, the late British sprinter who was known for his dominance in sprint finishes, including winning the Tour de France six times before being knighted.
Brennan's five stage victories at the Vuelta, the latest coming on Thursday in Seville, have put him in the same league as Cavendish, who was the first rider ever to win five stages at a Grand Tour. However, while Cavendish had won 165 races in total, Brennan, at just 21, has already claimed 23 professional victories. This not only shows Brennan's speed, but also his endurance, as he has been able to maintain his dominance throughout the three-week race.
The comparisons to Cavendish are understandable, as both riders are of similar height and have dominated sprint finishes at Grand Tours. However, while Cavendish was primarily a sprinter, Brennan is a more versatile rider, as shown by his participation in the Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne race and his role as a teammate in the breakaway during Stage 13 of the Vuelta. This versatility suggests that Brennan has more in store than just sprinting prowess, and his future could include winning classics such as Paris-Roubaix.
Brennan's performance at the Vuelta has dispelled any concerns that he may not be able to back up his stunning debut season. In fact, he has not only matched his tally from last year, but has also shown off on one of the biggest stages of them all. Looking ahead to next year's Tour de France, with a bunch sprint expected in Carlisle, there is a real possibility that Brennan could pull on the yellow jersey and win his first Tour stage on home soil. This would undoubtedly be a historic and unforgettable moment in British cycling.
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