Sir Mark Cavendish, the legendary British sprinter, brought his illustrious professional cycling career to a close with a triumphant victory in his final race, the Tour de France Prudential Singapore Criterium. In a fitting finale, Cavendish, at the age of 39, showcased his trademark speed and tenacity, securing a sprint finish that solidified his place as a cycling icon.
The emotional atmosphere surrounding the race highlighted the immense respect and admiration held for Cavendish within the cycling community. His fellow competitors, acknowledging his significant contributions to the sport, provided a moving guard of honor before the race commenced. As the race drew to a close, Cavendish, visibly emotional, crossed the finish line, a testament to his enduring passion for cycling.
Speaking to Eurosport through tears, Cavendish expressed his profound appreciation for his journey: “I realized in the last five laps it was the last 15km of my career. I passed the flamme rouge (indicating one kilometer to go) for the last time in my career and I felt that.” His determination to finish his career on a high was evident in his fierce pursuit of victory: “I had to go. I had to let Jasper (Philipsen) and Biniam (Girmay) in in the final lap, I was nervous about crashing or something if I fight. I really wanted to finish at least my last race.”
Cavendish’s victory in his final race was a fitting culmination of a career filled with remarkable achievements. In the summer, he etched his name in cycling history by securing his 35th stage win in the Tour de France, surpassing the record he previously shared with the legendary Eddy Merckx. His legacy extends beyond the Tour, encompassing 20 stage wins across the Vuelta a Espana and the Giro d’Italia, as well as two points classification victories in the Tour de France and one each in the other two grand tours. Cavendish’s talents weren’t confined to the road, as he also claimed an Olympic silver medal in the omnium in Rio in 2016, and earned three world championships in the Madison and a Commonwealth championship for the Isle of Man in the scratch race.
While the specifics of Cavendish’s post-retirement plans remain unclear, his deep love for cycling ensures his continued involvement in the sport: “I love this sport, I’ve always loved this sport, especially the Tour de France. The Tour de France isn’t just a bike race, it’s the biggest annual sporting event in the world. It’s what children dream of, it’s what adults dream of, it’s what you pretend to do when you’re out training.”
Cavendish’s passion for cycling transcends its competitive aspect: “Cycling’s such a form of freedom, it’s a way to meet people, it’s a way to be alone with your thoughts, it’s a way to be however you want to be.” He envisions a future where cycling continues to flourish: “It has so much potential as a sport, as a mode of transport, as a pastime, and I truly believe this and I’ve always believed this and I try and do anything I can to help this move forward.”
While his racing days may be over, Cavendish’s commitment to cycling remains unwavering: “That won’t stop, even if I’m not riding a bike any more. In fact I might be able to put more into that now. I’m really looking forward to what the rest of my career holds, just not on the bike. I couldn’t have wished for a better send-off than here. To have my wife and my friends here is brilliant. I’m so emotional, I’m so grateful and I hope everyone enjoyed that.”
Cavendish’s final race victory serves as a poignant reminder of his remarkable career. His legacy, however, extends far beyond individual accolades. He is a symbol of athletic excellence, unwavering determination, and an enduring passion for cycling. As he steps away from the professional racing scene, his influence on the sport is sure to endure.
Cavendish’s Most Memorable Moments
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2009: Six Tour de France Stage Wins:
After his professional debut in 2007, Cavendish quickly became a dominant force on flat stages, securing his first Tour de France victory in 2008. In 2009, he achieved six stage wins, culminating in a triumphant victory on the Champs-Elysees, establishing himself as one of the most formidable sprinters in the world.*
2011: World Champion in Copenhagen:
Cavendish’s dominance extended to the World Championships, where he secured a historic victory in Copenhagen. He had already secured five Tour de France stages and the green jersey, putting him in the spotlight. In a thrilling finish, he navigated through a crowded field, emerging victorious and becoming the first British world champion on the road since Tommy Simpson in 1965.*
2012: Four Consecutive Champs-Elysees Wins:
Cavendish’s consistency and dominance were further cemented by his fourth consecutive victory on the Champs-Elysees. Despite a challenging year with Team Sky, where he faced competition from his teammate Sir Bradley Wiggins, Cavendish shone brightly on the final stage. The iconic image of Wiggins in the yellow jersey leading out Cavendish in the final kilometer epitomizes the teamwork and camaraderie that characterized the race.*
2016: Olympic Silver in Rio:
Cavendish’s pursuit of Olympic glory extended beyond the road, as he competed in the omnium in Rio. He faced stiff competition, ultimately claiming a silver medal behind Italian Elia Viviani. Despite narrowly missing out on gold, Cavendish was immensely proud of his achievement, silencing his Olympic demons.*
2021: Silencing the Critics:
Cavendish faced a challenging period between 2017 and 2020, battling injuries and illness. However, his resilience shone through as he returned to Deceuninck-Quick-Step in 2021, proving his doubters wrong. He secured his first Tour de France victory in five years on Stage 4 and went on to win three more stages, equaling Eddy Merckx’s record of 34 stage victories and solidifying his place as one of the greatest sprinters the sport has ever seen.*
