Mark Cavendish has announced that he will retire on Sunday, bringing an end to a remarkable career that saw him set the all-time record for most stage wins at the Tour de France and claim four world titles on both the track and road.
Cavendish shared his decision on Instagram, showcasing his most significant victories before concluding with a poignant message: “My racing career … completed it.” The 39-year-old, who had previously announced his retirement last year only to reverse that decision, will now officially hang up his cleats after the Tour de France Prudential Singapore Criterium.
“Sunday will be the final race of my professional cycling career,” Cavendish stated, reflecting on his achievements that include 17 stages of the Giro D’Italia, three in the Vuelta a España, and an Olympic silver medal in the omnium in 2016. “I am fortunate to have done what I love for nearly 20 years, and I can now say that I have accomplished everything I could on the bike.”
Cavendish, known as the Manx Missile for his speed and aggressive sprint finishes, secured his 35th Tour de France stage earlier this year, surpassing Eddy Merckx’s record. This milestone was achieved in his signature style, accelerating ahead in the final meters in Saint-Vulbas before triumphantly crossing the finish line with his arms raised. He leaves the sport with 165 overall stage victories, ranking second only to Merckx.
“I love the sport and have always wanted to make a difference in it, and that will not change whether I am on the bike or not,” Cavendish said, having been knighted in July. “It has always been the greatest honor to represent my country, and witnessing cycling evolve into the sport, pastime, and mode of transport I’ve dedicated my life to growing in Great Britain has filled me with joy and pride beyond words. I am deeply grateful to everyone who has shared this journey with me.”
Dot Tilbury, Cavendish’s first coach, who is now 74, recalled his early determination as a young rider. “He was just totally focused on winning,” she said. “Second or third was no use to him. One of his teachers mentioned that when discussing his GCSE options, he confidently stated: ‘Well, I’ll do this, but I won’t need it because I’m going to be a professional racer.’”
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