Mark Cavendish’s 35th Win Makes Tour de France History

Mark Cavendish broke the Tour de France stage wins record with his 35th victory, surpassing Eddy Merckx, in a sensational sprint finish in Saint Vulbas. At 39, Cavendish burst clear in stage five’s dramatic finale, celebrating with his team. This triumph comes a year after a race-ending crash and one day after being narrowly defeated by Jasper Philipsen. Reflecting on his achievement, Cavendish told ITV, “You sprint and go as hard as you can until you get to the finish.”

Cavendish had shared the record with Merckx since his 34th win in 2021. Motivated by the dream of holding the record outright, he delayed his retirement by a year. Overcoming illness, injuries, and depression, Cavendish returned to the Belgian Quick Step team in 2021, winning four stages in a remarkable comeback. After being left out of the 2022 Tour, Cavendish joined Astana Qazaqstan in 2023.

Despite a broken collarbone ending his race last year, he continued, achieving the record-breaking win in Saint Vulbas. Tour race director Christian Prudhomme praised Cavendish, calling it a “wonderful story” and labeling him “the yellow jersey of the sprinters.” Former teammate Geraint Thomas lauded Mark Cavendish’s achievement, expressing delight that he holds the record alone. Stage six offers another sprinting opportunity on a 163.5km route from Macon to Dijon.

Stage five results:
1. Mark Cavendish (GB/Astana-Qazaqstan) 4hrs 08mins 46secs
2. Jasper Philipsen (Bel/Alpecin-Deceuninck) same time
3. Alexander Kristoff (Nor/Uno-X) ”
4. Tadej Pogacar (Slo/UAE Team Emirates) retains the yellow jersey, leading the general classification.