Mark Cavendish Breaks Tour de France Stage Victory Record
A Historic Achievement
On Wednesday, Mark Cavendish achieved a monumental milestone in the world of cycling by winning his 35th stage in the Tour de France. At 39 years old, the British cyclist surpassed the long-standing record of 34 stage wins held by the legendary Eddy Merckx, a feat that had remained unchallenged for over 40 years. Cavendish's victory came during the fifth stage of the race, spanning 177.4 kilometers from Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne to Saint-Vulbas, and was marked by an incredible display of resilience as he crossed the finish line with a broken chain.
Mutual Admiration and Respect
The relationship between Cavendish and Merckx is one of mutual admiration and respect. Following Cavendish's record-breaking win, Merckx took to Instagram to congratulate his successor, calling Cavendish a 'good guy' and commending his historic performance. Cavendish, in turn, expressed his deep respect for Merckx, stating in post-race interviews, 'I love Eddy. He was always very kind to me. I haven't taken anything away from the great Eddy Merckx. It's just a number. Eddy Merckx remains Eddy Merckx.'
The Journey to Victory
Cavendish's journey to this historic moment has been marked by numerous challenges and triumphs. Last year, he suffered a broken collarbone that forced him to leave the Tour de France prematurely. However, his determination and passion for the sport saw him return for another season. His victory on Wednesday was not just a testament to his skill but also to his perseverance. Riding for the Astana Qazaqstan Team, Cavendish managed to outpace Belgian Jasper Philipsen and Norwegian Alexander Kristoff in a chaotic finish, completing the stage in four hours, eight minutes, and 46 seconds, at an average speed of 42.8 km/h.
A Legacy of Excellence
Cavendish's career is a testament to his enduring excellence in the sport of cycling. Over an 18-year professional career, he has amassed 165 victories, including 17 stage wins in the Giro d'Italia, a Road Cycling World Championship title in 2011, and two green jerseys in the Tour de France. His ability to win stages 16 years apart—from 2008 to 2024—demonstrates his remarkable longevity and adaptability in the sport. As he celebrated his 35th Tour de France stage victory, Cavendish reflected on his journey and the changes in physical preparation, habits, and diet that have allowed him to continue competing at the highest level.
Looking Ahead
As the Tour de France continues, Cavendish remains focused on seizing every opportunity to win. 'You have to know how to position yourself,' he said. 'Life has taught me to show what we are capable of, and to give our best to seize opportunities.' With his 35th stage victory now in the record books, Cavendish's thirst for success shows no signs of diminishing. The next stage, a 163.5 km ride between Mâcon and Dijon, offers yet another chance for this cycling legend to add to his illustrious career.
- Mark Cavendish's 35th stage victory in the Tour de France is a significant moment in the history of cycling, not just for the record itself but for the manner in which it was achieved. Cavendish's broken chain in the final moments of the race is a testament to his incredible determination and skill.
- The mutual respect between Cavendish and Merckx adds a heartwarming dimension to this historic achievement. Merckx's congratulatory message on Instagram, accompanied by a yellow heart, highlights the camaraderie and sportsmanship that exist at the highest levels of the sport.
- Cavendish's career longevity is a remarkable aspect of his success. His ability to adapt and continue winning across different eras of cycling speaks volumes about his talent and dedication. His first Tour de France stage win came in 2008, and 16 years later, he continues to compete and win at the highest level.
- The chaotic finish of the fifth stage, with Cavendish outpacing competitors like Jasper Philipsen and Alexander Kristoff, showcases the unpredictable and thrilling nature of the Tour de France. Despite the challenges, Cavendish's experience and tactical acumen allowed him to secure the win.
- Looking ahead, Cavendish remains focused on future stages of the Tour de France. His statement about positioning and seizing opportunities reflects his strategic mindset and determination to continue achieving success in the sport.
