Mark Cavendish brought his professional cycling career to a stirring conclusion with an emotional victory in his final race at the Tour de France Prudential Singapore Criterium. Known for his explosive sprints and tireless dedication, the 39-year-old British cyclist capped off his career by crossing the finish line first, showcasing the competitive spirit that has defined his journey in the sport.
Before the race began, his fellow riders honored him with a guard of honor, setting the stage for a memorable farewell. Cavendish, visibly emotional, reflected on the significance of the moment. “I realized in the last five laps it was the last 15 kilometers of my career,” he said through tears. “I passed the flamme rouge for the last time in my career and I felt that.” Known for his sharp race instincts and powerful finishing ability, Cavendish admitted he hadn’t raced since the Tour de France, so he was missing some of the sharpness. Still, he credited his team, Astana Kazakhstan, for providing crucial support that enabled him to deliver one final victorious sprint. “When you see the amazing job that my team did leading me out, I had to go,” he added.
As Cavendish raced toward the finish line, he allowed fellow sprinters Jasper Philipsen and Biniam Girmay to take positions ahead of him on the final lap, concerned about a possible crash in his last race. But as the finish approached, he accelerated past them in a triumphant burst, feeling the weight of his final professional victory. “I really wanted that so bad,” he shared, expressing his pride in ending his career on such a high note.
Cavendish’s accomplishments over his 17-year career have been nothing short of remarkable. In the summer of 2024, he made history by securing his 35th Tour de France stage win, surpassing cycling legend Eddy Merckx’s longstanding record for the most stage wins in the Tour. His Tour de France achievements are only part of his story; he also won 20 stages across the Vuelta a España and Giro d’Italia, accumulating victories in each of the three Grand Tours and winning the points classification twice in the Tour de France.
Beyond the road, Cavendish’s success extended to track cycling, where he demonstrated versatility and skill. He earned an Olympic silver medal in the omnium at the Rio 2016 Olympics, competed in various world championships, and claimed the title of world champion three times in the Madison. Representing the Isle of Man, he won the Commonwealth Games in the scratch race, adding another layer of achievement to his storied career.
With his retirement from racing, Cavendish hinted that he isn’t leaving the world of cycling entirely. “I love this sport, I’ve always loved this sport, especially the Tour de France,” he said. For Cavendish, the Tour de France was more than a race; it was a global celebration of the sport, one that fuels the dreams of children and adults alike. “It’s what children dream of, it’s what adults dream of, it’s what you pretend to do when you’re out training,” he shared.
Cavendish spoke passionately about the role of cycling in his life, describing it as a form of freedom, a way to connect with others, and an opportunity to spend time in solitude with his thoughts. He emphasized that cycling’s value extends beyond competition, calling it a versatile and meaningful activity that can serve as a mode of transportation, a hobby, and a way of life. “I truly believe this and I’ve always believed this,” he added, sharing his intent to continue advocating for the sport.
Looking toward the future, Cavendish expressed excitement about the possibilities that lie ahead, hinting that his passion for promoting cycling might grow even stronger now that he’s no longer racing. “That won’t stop, even if I’m not riding a bike any more. In fact, I might be able to put more into that now,” he said, suggesting that his contributions to the sport might take new forms in the coming years.
In the final moments of his career, Cavendish found himself surrounded by loved ones, including his wife and friends, making his farewell even more meaningful. “I couldn’t have wished for a better send-off than here,” he said, visibly moved by the support and the atmosphere. As he thanked the fans, his team, and the sport he loves, Cavendish closed this chapter with a mix of pride and gratitude.
