In a poignant moment for the world of cycling, Mark Cavendish, the legendary British sprinter affectionately known as the “Manx Missile,” announced his retirement from professional racing. The 39-year-old, widely regarded as one of the greatest sprinters in the history of the sport, confirmed that the two-day Tour de France Criterium in Singapore on Sunday will be his final race.
A Glittering Career Comes to a Close
Cavendish’s decision to retire marks the end of an era in cycling. Over his illustrious nearly 20-year career, the Isle of Man native amassed an astonishing 165 professional victories, cementing his status as one of the most successful riders of all time.
His explosive sprinting style and unmatched ability to time his final burst to the line earned him the moniker “the Manx Missile” and struck fear into the hearts of his rivals. Cavendish’s palmarès is a testament to his dominance in the fast and furious world of sprint finishes.
Tour de France Legacy
Perhaps Cavendish’s most remarkable achievement came in the sport’s biggest race, the Tour de France. Over his career, he won an astounding 35 Tour stages, putting him level with the legendary Belgian Eddy Merckx for the most stage victories in the history of the race.
His final Tour triumph came in a storybook return to form in 2021, where at the age of 36, he won 4 stages with the Deceuninck-Quick Step team, matching then surpassing Merckx’s long-standing record. It was a fairytale comeback after several years of struggling with illness, injury, and uncertain team situations.
I am lucky enough to have done what I love for almost 20 years and I can now say that I have achieved everything that I can on the bike.
– Mark Cavendish, announcing his retirement
Rainbow Stripes and Olympic Silver
Cavendish’s sparkling palmarès also includes the coveted rainbow stripes of the world champion, which he won in a thrilling sprint in Copenhagen in 2011. He also claimed 3 world championship titles on the track in the Madison, highlighting his versatility.
On the Olympic stage, Cavendish earned a hard-fought silver medal at the 2016 Rio Games in the omnium event on the track. Always a fierce competitor with a never-say-die attitude, he fought until the last event to get on the podium.
Overcoming Adversity
Cavendish’s career was not without its challenges. In 2017, he was diagnosed with the Epstein-Barr virus, which causes mononucleosis. It led to a difficult few seasons where he struggled for form and wins were hard to come by.
However, in true Cavendish style, he fought back. His resurgence with Deceuninck-Quick Step in 2021 will go down as one of the greatest comebacks in cycling history, a testament to his grit, determination, and unshakeable self-belief.
Looking to the Future
As he hangs up his wheels, Cavendish expressed his love for the sport that has given him so much. “Cycling has given me so much and I love the sport, I’ve always wanted to make a difference in it and now I am ready to see what the next chapter has in store for me,” he said in his retirement announcement.
While his days of scorching to sprint victories may be over, there’s no doubt that the “Manx Missile” has left an indelible mark on the sport. His explosive accelerations, relentless drive to win, and emotional, heart-on-sleeve personality have made him a fan favorite and an inspiration to aspiring cyclists around the world.
As the peloton bids farewell to one of its brightest stars, Mark Cavendish can look back on a career of unparalleled success, memorable moments, and a legacy that will endure long after his final pedal stroke in Singapore. Chapeau, Cav!
