In a fitting end to one of the most storied careers in professional cycling, Mark Cavendish claimed an emotional victory in his final race before retirement. The 39-year-old British sprint specialist powered his way to the win at the Tour de France Prudential Singapore Criterium, capping off a career that has seen him become one of the most successful riders in the history of the sport.
A Fairytale Finish
Cavendish, affectionately known as the “Manx Missile,” couldn’t have scripted a better ending to his illustrious career. In a gesture of respect, his fellow competitors formed a guard of honor before the start of the race, acknowledging the impact he has had on the sport over the past two decades.
As the race entered its final laps, the emotions started to set in for Cavendish. “I realised in the last five laps it was the last 15 kilometres of my career,” he told Eurosport through tears after the race. “I passed the flamme rouge for the last time in my career and I felt that.”
Despite not having raced since the Tour de France in July, Cavendish showed his trademark speed and determination to secure the win. His Astana-Qazaqstan teammates played a crucial role in delivering him to the perfect position for the final sprint, where he held off challenges from rising stars Jasper Philipsen and Biniam Girmay to take the victory.
“I really wanted that so bad. I’m so proud to win the Tour de France Prudential Criterium as my last professional race.”
– Mark Cavendish
A Legendary Career
Cavendish’s palmares is one that most riders can only dream of. His 35 stage wins at the Tour de France is a record that many believe will never be broken, having surpassed the previous mark held by cycling icon Eddy Merckx in 2021. In addition to his Tour successes, Cavendish also claimed:
- 20 stage wins across the Giro d’Italia and Vuelta a España
- 3 World Championship titles in the Madison on the track
- An Olympic silver medal in the Omnium in Rio 2016
- The points classification at all three Grand Tours
His explosive speed and fearless sprinting style made him a fan favorite and one of the most recognizable figures in the sport. Cavendish’s ability to deliver on the biggest stages, often under immense pressure, cemented his status as a true cycling great.
An Uncertain Future
While Cavendish may be stepping away from professional racing, his love for cycling remains undiminished. He was quick to express his passion for the sport and his desire to stay involved, even if he’s no longer competing.
“I love this sport, I’ve always loved this sport… 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. 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.”
– Mark Cavendish
What exactly the future holds for Cavendish remains to be seen, but it’s clear that he won’t be straying far from the cycling world. Whether it’s in a coaching, mentoring, or ambassadorial role, his experience and passion for the sport will undoubtedly continue to inspire the next generation of cyclists.
For now, though, Cavendish can bask in the glory of a final victory that served as the perfect bookend to an extraordinary career. Surrounded by his wife and friends in Singapore, he struggled to contain his emotions as he reflected on his journey.
“I’m so emotional, I’m so grateful and I hope everyone enjoyed that. I couldn’t have wished for a better send-off than here.”
– Mark Cavendish
As the curtain falls on the Mark Cavendish era, the cycling world salutes a true icon of the sport. His legacy as one of the greatest sprinters of all time is secure, and his impact on the world of cycling will be felt for generations to come.
