Cavendish has been quoted over the years some version of " that's bike racing " " and it sucks to crash but it's part of sprinting life". I personally didn't want to see him crash out, and in the heat of battle I was happy to see that other talented sprinters didn't gift him anything. He certainly doesn't have anything to regret in his career. Personal observation, I think Cav's combo of personality and performance was major in many programs. Can't think of Highroad without him,,one of the most popular racers in the last few decades.
And if he hanging up the bicycle completely, he accomplished as much on the track, awesome career.