Mark Cavendish has yet to be officially confirmed as a Quick Step rider for 2022, but the Manxman will line out with trade teammate Iljo Caisse on Tuesday evening as Gent Six starts on the 't Kuipke' board.

This is the third time Cavendish has teamed up with the experienced Caisse at Ghent Six, following 2014 and 2019. Cavendish won the Ghent Six in 2016 with Bradley Wiggins, while Caisse, a local hero, has won the tournament seven times.

Cavendish and Caisse's best result as a pair was second in 2014, and they stressed that they are lining up for the velodrome primarily to enjoy themselves.

They cited Deceuninck-Quickstep teammate Mikhail Morkov and his partner, Lasse Norman Hansen, as the favorites to win.

"I have only been on the track two days in the last eight months. According to Het Nieuwsblad (opens in new tab), Cavendish said, "I can't compare myself to a duo like Morkov and Hansen, who have just become world champions and have prepared for the track."

His point was echoed by Casey, who explained that he has cut back considerably on track racing and training in recent years.

"I've always had the reputation of being a track lover, but that's not really the case anymore," he said. 'I still run on the track and compete six days a year. If the weather is too bad, I train on the track. But that's it."

The Ghent Six will return Tuesday night after a year-long hiatus due to a coronavirus pandemic, but due to the rising number of cases in Europe, some restrictions remain in place and spectators are not allowed to eat or drink (open in new tab) in the stands.

Cavendish and Casey's opponents in Ghent include the Lot Soudal duo of Roger Kluge and Yasper de Buist.

Cavendish, who tied Eddy Merckx's record of 34 stage wins at this year's Tour de France, suggested that he has little to prove on the track.

"I have no ego. Cavendish shared his ambitions at this week's Ghent Six.

"I was world champion in Madison and I've won a lot on the road. My track record speaks for itself."

Cavendish said.

Cavendish admitted that racing in Ghent Six was "a bit of a disadvantage for next year's road season," but said he couldn't resist the lure of racing with Caisse and competing again on the 166m track in 't Kuipke.

"The history of Kuipke is very special. The Ghent Six is the Tour de France in track cycling and it is different from any other race. As a Belgian rider, I feel people understand the race. People who come to watch also understand what's going on."

"This is the last Six Days we can run together. I'll be happy if I can enjoy it as much as possible."