Cycling legend, Mark Cavendish, ended his illustrious career with a thrilling final victory on Sunday, sprinting to the finish line in his signature style to clinch the top spot at the Tour de France Prudential Singapore Criterium.
The 39-year-old Isle of Man native, known for his explosive finishes, delivered one last powerful surge in the race’s final stretch, leaving the competition behind as he crossed the line.
The race was emotional for Cavendish and his competitors alike. Before the start, his fellow riders honoured him with a guard of honour, acknowledging his impact on the sport.
Cavendish, visibly moved, expressed his overwhelming emotions at the end.
“I really wanted that so bad,” Cavendish said, the elation evident on his face after achieving his 166th career victory. Reflecting on the gravity of the moment, he added, “I’m terribly emotional. I realised in the last five laps that this was the last 15 kilometres of my career. I passed the flamme rouge for the last time in my career.”
In the final moments of the race, Cavendish executed a masterclass in sprinting. As the peloton approached the last bend, he latched onto the wheel of defending champion Jasper Philipsen, positioning himself perfectly to unleash his signature sprint.
Surging forward, he glanced back at his competitors one last time before raising his arms in victory, celebrating his farewell triumph in cycling.
This final win adds to Cavendish’s storied legacy. In July, 2024, he made history by surpassing Belgian great Eddy Merckx’s longstanding record for the most stage wins in the Tour de France.
Cavendish had matched Merckx’s record in 2021, but his 2023 win allowed him to take sole ownership of this prestigious milestone.
Although he hadn’t raced since the Tour de France, Cavendish’s racing form remained sharp.
He made a brief return to competition in early November, finishing third in the Saitama Criterium, an event won by rising star Biniam Girmay.
The Singapore Criterium, organized by the Tour de France, covered 25 laps on a street circuit where Cavendish initially held his place in the peloton.
“I was nervous about crashing, or something like that,” Cavendish admitted, recognizing the risks yet determined to finish strong.
His dedication to cycling remains unshaken, even as he steps back from professional racing.
“I love this sport. I’ve always loved it,” he shared, emphasizing his commitment to staying involved in the world of cycling. “The Tour de France isn’t just a bike race it’s the biggest annual sports event in the world it’s what children dream of. It’s what adults dream of.”
For Cavendish, cycling transcends competition. “Cycling is such a form of freedom. It’s a way to be however you want to be,” he reflected. “It has so much potential as a sport, as a mode of transport, as a pastime. I will do anything I can to help this move forward.”
