Mark Cavendish, the legendary sprinter from the Isle of Man, is on the cusp of making cycling history as he prepares to break Eddy Merckx’s long-standing record of 34 Tour de France stage wins. The highly anticipated moment could come as soon as Monday’s third stage, a predominantly flat 231-kilometer route from Piacenza to Turin, which offers an ideal opportunity for a mass sprint finish.
Cavendish, 39, equaled Merckx’s record during the 2021 Tour and narrowly missed clinching a historic 35th win in the seventh stage of the 2023 Tour. An unfortunate crash in the eighth stage last year resulted in a broken collarbone, temporarily halting his quest. Determined to surpass Merckx, Cavendish postponed his retirement to return to the Tour de France once more.
“It’s quite beautiful this year with the start in Florence, near where I lived for 10 years,” Cavendish reflected. “Starting here, then going to France is just perfect. I’ve got a job to do but on an emotional level, it’s very, very nice. I couldn’t have asked for anything more.”
Recognizing the challenges ahead, Cavendish remains optimistic about his chances. “We wouldn’t be here if we didn’t think it was possible to win,” the Astana rider stated. “Realistically there are five or six chances, so we’ve come here to try to do it. I think we’ve got everything in place to try to do it but so does everyone else.”
Cavendish secured his first Tour stage victory in 2008 and has since become one of the sport’s most decorated athletes. Beyond the Tour de France, he has claimed stages at all three Grand Tours—the Tour, Giro d’Italia, and Vuelta a España—and was crowned world champion in 2011.
“I said before I started my career, if I could ever be in a book of names of riders that meant something, the big riders in the history of cycling, if my name is in that book, I would be happy,” Cavendish remarked humbly.
As he approaches this pivotal moment, Cavendish acknowledges the broader impact of his career. “I understand I’m fortunate to be in a position of inspiring not just a generation but a few generations, adults and kids,” he said. “If I’ve left an impact on them that helps motivate them, then that’s what’s important.”
Breaking Merckx’s record would not only cement Cavendish’s legacy but also captivate fans around the world who have followed his storied career. With several sprint stages ahead, all eyes will be on Cavendish as he strives to make history in the world’s most prestigious cycling race.
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Cavendish ready to beat Merckx for most Tour de France stage wins
cgtn.com
