July 3rd 2024.
Mark Cavendish achieved a historic victory in Saint Vulbas, breaking the record for the most stage wins in the Tour de France. In an emotional moment, the 39-year-old cyclist was at a loss for words as he crossed the finish line in first place.
After opening up a significant lead and powering through to the end, Cavendish raised his arms in triumph and relief. This win marks his 35th stage victory in the Tour, surpassing the previous record of 34 held by Belgian cycling legend Eddy Merckx.
Last year, Cavendish had announced that it would be his final Tour, but the desire to claim this record-breaking title motivated him to give it one more shot. "I really just wanted to get to the finish line and do it. I'm still in disbelief," he shared with ITV Sport right after the race.
Taking a big risk by joining the Astana-Qazaqstan team this year, Cavendish acknowledged the support and trust of his team manager Alexander Vinokourov. "That just goes to show that someone who has been a cyclist and knows what the Tour de France is all about, you have to go all in," he said.
Cavendish's win is not just a personal triumph, but also a testament to the hard work and dedication of his team. After being left out of the Tour in 2022 and suffering a broken collarbone in 2023, he expressed his gratitude for their unwavering support over the past 12 months. "We did it. We executed our plan perfectly, from building the team to choosing the equipment. Every little detail was focused on this day," he shared.
Reflecting on the significance of the Tour de France, Cavendish emphasized that it is more than just a cycling competition. "Okay, maybe we won't be at the top of the UCI rankings, but the Tour de France is bigger than cycling, isn't it? And that's what I showed in this race," he said.
Returning from his injury, Cavendish and his team faced some challenges in their preparation, but ultimately luck was on their side. "I've been in 15 Tours now. I don't like to have bad days or suffer, but I know it's all in the mind. You just have to push through it and seize the opportunity," he shared.
When asked about his mindset and what sets him apart from other cyclists, Cavendish acknowledged the benefits of being able to use his head in addition to his physical abilities. "It definitely helps, especially when you're not as physically fit as the others. Being able to use your head is definitely beneficial," he said.
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