British cycling legend Sir Mark Cavendish announces retirement from sport
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British cycling legend Sir Mark Cavendish has announced his retirement from professional cycling, with his final race set for Sunday at the Tour de France Criterium in Singapore.
The 39-year-old Isle of Man native, widely regarded as the greatest sprinter in cycling history, confirmed the news via social media on Saturday.
"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," Cavendish wrote on Instagram.
The 'Manx Missile' had initially planned to retire after the 2023 season but extended his career to pursue cycling immortality.
That defining moment came this July when Cavendish claimed his record-breaking 35th Tour de France stage victory in Saint Vulbas.
The historic win finally pushed him past Belgian legend Eddy Merckx, whose record had stood since 1975.
Sir Mark Cavendish will retire from cycling with his last race on Sunday
PA
Cavendish had equalled Merckx's mark of 34 wins during the 2021 Tour, setting up this summer's dramatic milestone.
The achievement marked the pinnacle of an extraordinary Tour de France career that began with his debut in 2008.
His recent third-place finish at the Tour de France Saitama Criterium in Japan last weekend showed he remains competitive at the highest level.
Last month, Sir Mark received his knighthood from the Prince of Wales at Windsor Castle, marking another crowning achievement in his illustrious career.
The typically humble champion admitted to being "really nervous" during the ceremony, adding: "His royal highness was superb."
"I'm just a lad from the Isle of Man, to be a Knight Commander, that's not something I could ever have dreamed of," Cavendish reflected.
He expressed pride in his role promoting British cycling: "Seeing how many people ride bikes now, seeing the growth of cycling in this country and seeing how successful we've become at it... it's incredibly rewarding to be part of that."
Since turning professional in 2005, Cavendish has amassed an extraordinary 165 career victories on the road.
His achievements span all three Grand Tours, with 17 stage wins in the Giro d'Italia and three in the Vuelta a Espana complementing his Tour de France success.
Sir Mark Cavenidsh is arguably Britain's greatest cyclist
PA
The British champion secured the world road race title in 2011, adding to his impressive collection of accolades.
On the track, Cavendish proved equally formidable, claiming a silver medal in the omnium at the 2016 Olympics.
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Sir Mark Cavendish has had an incredible career in cycling, also winning a medal at the Olympics
PA
He also earned the Tour de France green jersey twice, awarded to the rider with the most points, cementing his legacy as one of cycling's most versatile competitors.
His victory in the 2009 Milan-San Remo classic further demonstrated his exceptional talent.
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