British Cyclist Sir Mark Cavendish won his final race in professional cycling to end a brilliant career that will forever be remembered in the history of the sport.
Singapore’s Connaught Drive may have lost the cycling legacy of the Champs-Élysées, but it’s now a memorable spot for Cavendish as his career began here. The last It was a sprint.
The ‘Manx Missile’ raised his arms as he crossed the victory line for the last time, and bid farewell to the Tour de France Singapore Criterium with victory.
On a hot day filled with emotion, Cavendish received a guard of honor from his fellow cyclists as he made his way to the start line.
He said: ‘Today was the first time I felt genuinely emotional. It was so beautiful and unexpected.’
He announced his retirement on social media on Saturday, ending speculation about any final season.
“I was looking at the lap count and I knew it was the last 25 laps of my career, the last 15 laps, the last 10 laps, the last three laps, the last lap and then the last kilometer,” Cavendish said in tears after the ceremony. said while stopping. ‘It was beautiful, I felt every moment of it.'”
The 49-year-old retired from professional cycling after winning the most stages in the sport’s biggest race. His victory in the fifth stage of the Tour de France this year took him to thirty-five Tour stage wins, one level ahead of the legendary Eddy Merckx.
He was also a two-time winner of the Green Jersey points competition at the Tour and won the flagship Champs-Élysées Sprint on four consecutive occasions.
Speaking to The Independent after the race in Singapore, four-time Tour de France winner Chris Froome praised his British counterpart and former teammate.
He said: ‘His legacy will live on for a long time with what he has achieved in the game. To start at such a young age and be at the top of your game for the best part of two decades is extraordinary.’
Froome also believes that nobody will be able to match Cavendish’s achievements. “I think his record will stand,” he added. I don’t see anyone coming close to them in the next few decades.’
Although his incredible success would become Tour (de France) folklore, Cavendish also won a number of other titles.
He went on to achieve numerous victories in two other cycling Grand Tours, winning 17 stages at the Giro d’Italia and three at the Vuelta a España.
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In 2011 he took the title of World Road Race Champion – the first British winner of the event since 1965. He has won 166 professional races in a career spanning nearly 20 years.
Cavendish’s final race was 25 laps on the 2.3km circuit in downtown Singapore.
It was the city-state’s third time hosting a Tour de France criterium event, which came a week after a similar race in Japan. These end-of-season events are organized to promote the tour in Asia.
This year’s Tour de France green jersey winner Benjamin Guerme was also among the co-stars.
He took victory in the points classification, but was unable to overtake Cavendish over the line, as the Manxman finished last. Showed great speed.
‘It was really good. What a wonderful day to experience my last race with these riders, who are the next generation of sprinters,’ said Cavendish.
The latter part of Cavendish’s career has been plagued by injuries and illness and he came close to retiring from the game last year.
He was due to retire at the end of the season, however a crash in that summer’s Tour prompted him to return to France to try again for the stage victory record.
It was an impressive decision as he cruised to victory in Saint-Villabas, his first sprint win in 16 years at the Tour.
Cavendish’s decision to take a break from his career inevitably raised questions about his future, but the retired great was keen to focus on his immediate plans in Singapore.
“I’m going to dinner and I’m going to have a few drinks with my colleagues,” he told reporters.
This unique relationship with his teammates was at the forefront of Cavendish’s mind as he discussed what he would miss most as a professional cyclist.
‘Being in a team, being away from your teammates. I think it’s really important and it teaches you a lot in life to stick with a group, especially in a sport where one person crosses the line first but you work as a team. .’
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How likely does Chris Froome think it is that anyone will surpass Cavendish’s record of 35 Tour stage wins?
**Interview with Chris Froome on Sir Mark Cavendish’s Retirement**
*Interviewer: We’re here with four-time Tour de France winner Chris Froome to reflect on the extraordinary career of Sir Mark Cavendish, who just retired after an impressive final race in Singapore. Chris, could you share your sentiments on Cavendish’s legacy?*
**Chris Froome:** Absolutely. Mark is a legend. His achievements in cycling are unprecedented. To start racing at such a young age and to stay at the top for two decades is something extraordinary. He has won races that many of us only dream of, and he’s inspired countless cyclists around the world.
*Interviewer: It was an emotional day for him as he crossed the finish line one last time. How did you find that moment?*
**Chris Froome:** It was deeply poignant. Seeing him raise his arms in victory and receiving a guard of honor from his peers was a powerful reminder of his impact on the sport. As he said himself, feeling genuinely emotional that day shows how much it all meant to him.
*Interviewer: He mentioned looking at the lap count and realizing it was his last race. Do you think that level of awareness contributes to the importance of his experience on the bike?*
**Chris Froome:** Definitely. That sort of reflection shows how much he was embracing the moment. To be able to process and appreciate each lap at the end of such a long and successful career is remarkable. It’s that kind of perspective that sets him apart.
*Interviewer: In terms of records, do you think anyone will challenge Cavendish’s remarkable tally of 35 Tour stage wins?*
**Chris Froome:** Honestly, I think his record will stand for quite a while. The competition is always fierce, but what Mark has accomplished is on another level. The combination of his speed, consistency, and longevity in the sport makes it incredibly tough for anyone to come close in the foreseeable future.
*Interviewer: Lastly, what do you think the future holds for cycling in terms of stars emerging from his legacy?*
**Chris Froome:** I believe Mark has set a benchmark for the next generation of sprinters. His achievements will inspire young riders to push their limits. They’ve seen what’s possible, so I expect to see many great cyclists coming up, but they will need to work very hard to match his level.
*Interviewer: Thank you, Chris, for sharing your insights on such an iconic cyclist and friend.*
**Chris Froome:** Thank you! It’s been a pleasure to celebrate Mark’s incredible journey.
