Sports
Mark Cavendish Makes History with Tour de France Stage Wins Record
British cyclist Mark Cavendish created cycling history by clinching the Tour de France stage wins record, surpassing the iconic Eddy Merckx with an exceptional victory at Saint Vulbas.
Cavendish, representing Astana-Qazaqstan, had shared the top spot with Belgian legend Eddy Merckx at 34 wins before this triumphant moment.
In awe of his achievement, the 39-year-old from the Isle of Man expressed his disbelief after the exhilarating win, highlighting the team’s dedication and the gamble placed on their Tour de France mission.
Teammate and lead-out rider Cees Bol summed up the victory succinctly with a resounding, ‘He f****** nailed it.’
After a challenging previous year that ended in a race-ending crash, Cavendish’s fervent determination and resilience led to this historic milestone.
The record-setting victory comes amidst prior setbacks, including a crash at the previous edition of the Tour, health struggles in 2019 and 2020, and a battle with depression.
Wednesday’s triumph follows a difficult few days for Cavendish, who faced heat-related issues, a missed opportunity due to a crash, and a journey filled with uncertainties.
This historic achievement solidifies Cavendish’s status as a cycling legend, especially after he overcame the odds with an inspiring comeback in 2021.
Marking a significant moment in sports history, Cavendish’s triumph reverberates through the cycling world, rewriting records and inspiring future generations of riders.