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 showed great pace last time out.
‘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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– What were the most memorable moments from Sir Mark Cavendish’s final race?
**Interview with Sir Mark Cavendish Following His Final Race**
**Interviewer:** Mark, congratulations on an incredible final race and a remarkable career! How did it feel to cross the finish line one last time?
**Mark Cavendish:** Thank you! It was surreal, honestly. I raised my arms, and it felt like a culmination of the last two decades of hard work, triumphs, and challenges. Today was the first time I genuinely felt emotional—there was beauty in that moment that I hadn’t quite expected.
**Interviewer:** It sounds like the day was filled with emotional significance. Can you share what went through your mind as you raced those last few laps?
**Mark Cavendish:** I was counting down the laps. I knew it was the last 25, then 15, and so on. By the time I reached the last lap, I was just overwhelmed. Every moment felt significant, and I allowed myself to savor the experience. It was beautiful; I truly felt every moment.
**Interviewer:** You’ve had an illustrious career, breaking numerous records and winning many titles, including becoming the winningest rider in Tour de France history. How do you want to be remembered in the sport?
**Mark Cavendish:** I hope to be remembered not just for the victories but for the passion I brought to cycling. It’s been an incredible journey, and I love the sport deeply. Seeing younger riders and knowing that I played a part in inspiring them is meaningful to me.
**Interviewer:** Chris Froome spoke highly of your legacy, suggesting that your record might stand for decades. What does that mean to you?
**Mark Cavendish:** It’s humbling. Chris is someone I respect deeply, and his words mean a lot. Cycling is evolving, and while I know records can be broken, I hope my journey encourages future generations to chase their dreams and push boundaries.
**Interviewer:** As you step away from professional cycling, what are your plans for the future?
**Mark Cavendish:** I’m looking forward to spending more time with my family and potentially exploring other avenues within the cycling community—even coaching or mentorship. But for now, I want to soak this all in and enjoy some well-deserved downtime.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Mark, for sharing your insights and experiences with us. We wish you all the best in your future endeavors!
**Mark Cavendish:** Thank you! It’s been a pleasure.
