Mark Cavendish, a British cyclist often celebrated as one of the greatest sprinters in road racing history, has had a remarkable career spanning nearly two decades. Known for his explosive finishing power, Cavendish has achieved an extraordinary 35 stage wins in the Tour de France, a record that ties him with Belgian cycling legend Eddy Merckx. His achievements extend beyond the Tour, as he has also captured the coveted green jersey for points classification multiple times and has won stages in all three Grand Tours (Tour de France, Giro d’Italia, and Vuelta a España).
Born on May 21, 1985, in the Isle of Man, Cavendish started his professional career in 2005. His sprinting prowess quickly gained attention, and by the late 2000s, he had become a dominant force in cycling. Cavendish’s success continued over the years, despite facing injuries and health challenges, including the Epstein-Barr virus, which temporarily affected his performance.
Cavendish also found success in track cycling, notably winning a world title in the Madison event with Bradley Wiggins in 2008 and clinching a silver medal in the omnium at the 2016 Rio Olympics. His relentless comeback spirit and achievements have left an indelible mark on the sport, earning him the nickname “The Manx Missile.”
His participation in the 2024 Tour de France Singapore Criterium marks the end of his career, closing a chapter on one of cycling’s most thrilling sprinting careers. Cavendish’s legacy continues to inspire young cyclists, and he remains an iconic figure in the world of cycling.
