Mark Cavendish Hangs Up His Wheels After Historic Tour de France

Mark Cavendish, the iconic British cyclist, has hinted that the recent Tour de France could very well be his final outing, marking the end of an illustrious chapter in competitive cycling. Over the course of his career, Cavendish has cemented his legacy as one of the sport’s all-time greats, breaking records that many believed were insurmountable.

This year’s edition of the Tour de France was immensely significant for Cavendish as he not only participated but also surpassed the legendary Eddy Merckx‘s long-standing record of Tour stage victories. Previously, he equaled Merckx’s record in 2021, but this year, he secured a remarkable milestone highlighted by his stage win during the first week of the event.

Initially, in 2022, Cavendish indicated that the race would be his farewell, yet he decided to extend his career by signing a contract with the Astana-Qazaqstan Team until the end of the 2024 season after a change in circumstances. However, following the final stage of the 2023 Tour, he was asked if this race marked his retirement. Cavendish responded, “likely so, yes,” suggesting that the end may be near.

At the age of 39, Cavendish is heralded as the greatest sprinter in Tour de France history, having won the coveted green points classification jersey twice, in 2011 and 2021. “I’ve been very lucky to have the career that I’ve had,” he reflected during an interview with ITV4, remarking on both his accomplishments and the challenges he faced.

In recent times, Cavendish struggled with a myriad of health challenges — including illnesses and injuries — that led to a depressive phase. This resulted in a challenging period for him, where he wasn’t able to secure any wins in 2019 and 2020, causing many to speculate about his potential retirement from the sport.

The 2022 Tour saw him excluded from the race despite his impressive track record and following the end of the year, he signed with Astana-Qazaqstan Team at the last minute for the 2023 event. His comeback was marked by a spectacular victory on stage five, where he displayed remarkable tenacity and determination.

Throughout the event, Cavendish managed to complete the race amidst strenuous mountain stages, ultimately culminating in the final leg in Nice. The finish was particularly poignant for him as he crossed the line to a warm reception from family members who were present to support him.

He elaborated on this emotional moment, stating, “My family was here waiting at the end for me. It was nice to see them while crossing the line with no pressure and just able to enjoy it.” Cavendish emphasized the importance of personal growth he has experienced through the sport, crediting it with teaching him invaluable lessons about himself and his role as a father.

Having made his debut at the Tour in 2008, Cavendish’s career has been characterized by remarkable sprinter victories, particularly in the Grand Tours. His record speaks volumes; with a total of 165 professional race wins since 2005, he has triumphed in the points classification across all three Grand Tours, further solidifying his status.

Among his myriad accomplishments, Cavendish won a silver medal in the omnium at the 2016 Rio Olympics, secured the rainbow jersey at the 2011 Road World Championships, and emerged victorious in the revered Milan-San Remo one-day classic in 2009. His stellar performance extends to the Giro d’Italia, where he boasts 17 stage wins, and three victories in the Vuelta a Espana.

In addition to his road cycling feats, he also clinched three world track titles in the madison and earned the gold medal in the scratch race at the 2006 Commonwealth Games, proudly representing the Isle of Man.

Cavendish had not claimed a win at the Tour since 2018 and hinted at retirement after a challenging 2020 season. Nonetheless, he staged a comeback in 2021, achieving four stage victories and capturing the green jersey, showcasing his relentless pursuit of excellence.

Adding to the challenges he faced, Cavendish and his family were victims of a home invasion in 2021, amplifying the hurdles throughout his career. Yet he triumphed over adversity, making history with a dazzling sprint victory to surpass Merckx’s record in Saint Vulbas, an achievement celebrated by fans and cycling enthusiasts alike.

His remarkable achievements have drawn admiration from fellow cyclists and fans, with former teammate Geraint Thomas expressing his elation at Cavendish’s success and his newfound sole ownership of Tour stage wins record. “It’s unbelievable, I am super happy for him,” Thomas articulated. The camaraderie within the cycling community is evident as Sir Bradley Wiggins, a former winner of the Tour, lauded Cavendish as one of the greatest athletes in the sport’s history.

Chris Froome, a four-time Tour champion, also acknowledged the significant impact Cavendish has had on cycling, stating, “Congratulations on an amazing career; you’ve inspired so many people, including myself.” As the 2023 Tour concludes, attention now shifts to the future of cycling talent, particularly emerging stars like Slovenian Pogacar, who expressed joy at his own victory.

As the crowd in Nice celebrated the end of the Tour, the cycling world pays homage to Cavendish, a sporting icon whose footprints on the sport will be felt for generations to come. His decision to retire from professional cycling leaves a lingering sense of nostalgia, as fans reflect on the unforgettable moments he has provided over the years.