Mark Cavendish Hints 2024 Tour de France Might Be His Last

Mark Cavendish has indicated that this year’s Tour de France might be his last race. Cavendish, 39, secured a record-breaking 35th Tour de France stage win in the first week. This surpassed Belgian Eddy Merckx’s long-standing record which he had equaled in 2021. Originally planning to retire after his 14th Tour last year, Cavendish extended his career. He signed with the Astana-Qazaqstan Team until the end of the 2024 season. When asked if he had finished his final race, Cavendish responded, “likely so, yes.”

Cavendish, known as the Tour’s greatest sprinter, has twice won the green points classification jersey (2011 and 2021). “I’ve been very lucky to have the career that I’ve had,” he told ITV4. Despite battling illness, injuries and depression which led to winless years in 2019 and 2020, Cavendish made a remarkable comeback. After missing the 2022 Tour and facing a near-contract end, Cavendish signed with Astana-Qazaqstan for 2023. He achieved his historic 35th stage win on stage five.

After a race-ending crash on stage eight, Cavendish signed up for another season, battling through challenging mountain stages to finish the race in Nice. Cavendish set a record with four consecutive wins on the Champs-Elysees from 2009 to 2012. He ended this year’s Tour with a time trial in Nice. Reflecting on his career, Mark Cavendish stated, “You see the success, but it’s very rare people see everything that goes in behind it – it’s taught me a lot about myself and how to be a father.”

Cavendish’s illustrious career includes 165 race wins since 2005, victories in all three Grand Tours, an omnium silver medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics, the 2011 Road World Championships and numerous other achievements. Former teammates and rivals like Geraint Thomas, Sir Bradley Wiggins and Chris Froome have praised Cavendish, acknowledging him as one of the greatest sprinters of all time.