Mark Cavendish has etched his name into cycling history by winning his 35th Tour de France stage, surpassing the legendary Eddy Merckx’s long-standing record of 34 victories. The 39-year-old British cyclist, who had previously announced his retirement in 2023, made a triumphant return to the sport to achieve this remarkable feat.Riding for Astana, Cavendish clinched victory in the 5th stage at Saint-Vulbas, outsprinting Jasper Philipsen and Alexander Kristoff in a dramatic finish. The win was particularly impressive as Cavendish overcame a mechanical issue with his bike chain near the finish line, which could have potentially caused a crash.Overwhelmed with emotion, Cavendish expressed his disbelief and gratitude after the historic win. ‘I can’t believe it. Astana did everything to come to the Tour, and I needed a stage, and as my director knows the Tour, we’ve made it happen,’ he said. The victory was especially meaningful given Cavendish’s struggles earlier in the season and his recovery from a broken shoulder last year.While Cavendish’s achievement has dominated headlines, the overall race dynamics remain unchanged. Tadej Pogacar retained the yellow jersey as the leader of the general classification, with Remco Evenepoel and Jonas Vingegaard close behind. The competition among these top contenders continues to be fierce, with Vingegaard trailing Pogacar by 45 seconds but remaining optimistic about his chances.Cavendish’s record-breaking victory, coming in his 15th Tour de France participation, caps an illustrious 18-year career that includes 165 professional victories, 17 stage wins in the Giro d’Italia, and a World Championship title. As Cavendish has hinted that this may be his last Tour de France, his achievement stands as a testament to his enduring skill, determination, and the support of his team and family.
Key points
- Mark Cavendish won his 35th Tour de France stage, breaking Eddy Merckx’s record of 34 victories.
- Cavendish, 39, came out of retirement to achieve this milestone, overcoming earlier struggles and injuries.
- The victory occurred despite a mechanical issue with Cavendish’s bike near the finish line.
- Tadej Pogacar maintains the overall lead in the Tour, with Jonas Vingegaard and Remco Evenepoel close behind.
