Farewell to the Sprint King: Mark Cavendish Announces Final Season as a Pro Cyclist

Mark Cavendish has declared that the 2023 season will be his final one in the sport. During a press conference held in Coccaglio on the rest day of the Giro d’Italia, Cavendish confirmed his impending retirement at the conclusion of the current campaign. The announcement comes shortly after the rider celebrated his 38th birthday, signifying the end of a remarkable career that established him as the most dominant sprinter in cycling.

Cavendish, who currently shares the record for stage victories with Eddy Merckx, is set to make his 14th and final appearance at the Tour de France in July with Astana Qazaqstan. His objective is to surpass the all-time stage win record in what will undoubtedly be a momentous farewell. Reflecting on his journey, Cavendish expressed his profound affection for the sport and his gratitude for the opportunities it provided him to explore the world and forge invaluable friendships.

Accompanied by his wife, Peta, and their children, Cavendish acknowledged that cycling has been his life for over 25 years, describing it as an absolute dream. Although his professional career is drawing to a close, he expressed his intention to remain connected to the sport he holds dear. While he hasn’t determined which race will mark the final chapter of his illustrious career, Cavendish emphasized the importance of savoring each remaining moment as a professional cyclist.

As a professional cyclist since 2007, Cavendish has amassed an impressive 161 victories, including the 2011 World Championships in Copenhagen and the 2009 Milan-San Remo. He has triumphed in stages and points classifications at all three Grand Tours, and has also worn the leader’s jersey in each race. Additionally, Cavendish has achieved success on the track, securing three Madison world titles and a silver medal in the Omnium at the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.

However, Cavendish’s legacy will forever be intertwined with the Tour de France. He made his initial appearance in the race when it commenced in London in 2007, and returned the following year to claim his first stage victories. Over the years, he notched an impressive total of 34 Tour stage wins, representing various teams such as Highroad, Team Sky, QuickStep, and Dimension Data.

In 2020, Cavendish’s career seemed to be approaching its end after battling numerous health setbacks. Yet, he managed to secure a late deal with QuickStep, his former team, and experienced a remarkable resurgence under the guidance of Patrick Lefevere. In the 2021 Tour, Cavendish triumphed in four stages and proudly wore the green jersey into Paris for the second time.

Following his departure from QuickStep at the end of 2022, Cavendish briefly considered joining B&B Hotels before ultimately signing with Astana-Qazaqstan under Alexandre Vinokourov’s leadership. Although he has yet to secure a victory with his new team, Cavendish has come close in the Giro d’Italia, finishing fourth in Salerno and third in Tortona. With the final opportunity for sprinters approaching in Caorle, Cavendish holds out hope for a remarkable farewell at the Tour de France in July, emphasizing that surpassing the record is not his sole priority. Regardless of the outcome, Cavendish’s extraordinary career and impact on the sport are undoubtedly etched in the annals of cycling history.