Mark Cavendish, renowned as the Manx Missile for his incredible speed in sprint finishes, is set to retire after competing in the Tour de France Criterium in Singapore this Sunday. This announcement marks the conclusion of a remarkable career for the 39-year-old cyclist from the Isle of Man, who has left an indelible mark on the sport.
Cavendish made headlines earlier this year when he confirmed that the 2023 season would be his last. He etched his name into cycling history by breaking the record for Tour de France stage wins, achieving his 35th victory in July. His accolades include winning the road world title in 2011 and securing the prestigious green jersey twice at the Tour, awarded to the rider accumulating the most points.
Cavendish’s career spans nearly two decades, during which he has triumphed in 165 races since making his professional debut in 2005. His impressive record includes 17 stage wins at the Giro d’Italia and three at the Vuelta a España, showcasing his dominance on various terrains.
Born into a world where cycling was gaining popularity in Britain, Cavendish initially showcased his talent as a BMX and mountain bike racer before transitioning to road racing. He began his professional journey with a feeder team for T-Mobile and captured his first Tour stage win in 2008 while riding for Team Columbia.
Despite facing significant challenges, including injuries and health issues starting in 2017, Cavendish made a remarkable comeback by winning four additional Tour stages and reclaiming the green jersey during a successful return to Quick Step. His resilience was further tested when he and his family experienced a violent robbery at their home in 2021.
After being left out of Quick Step’s Tour squad in 2022, he signed with Astana-Qazaqstan for the current season. Initially planning to retire after this year, he extended his career following an injury that cut short his participation in this summer’s Tour.
Cavendish not only holds numerous records but has also inspired many within cycling. He articulated gratitude for nearly 20 years spent doing what he loves, expressing readiness to embrace new opportunities beyond cycling.
With his recent victory surpassing Belgian legend Eddy Merckx’s long-standing record for Tour stage wins, Cavendish leaves behind a legacy that will be celebrated within the sport for generations to come. As he prepares to close this chapter, fans and fellow cyclists alike look forward to witnessing how he shapes his next adventure beyond competitive racing.
Mark Cavendish: A Legendary Sprinting Career Comes to an End Mark Cavendish, known as the Manx Missile for his explosive speed in sprint finishes, is set to conclude his illustrious cycling career.
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