Mark Cavendish

Mark Cavendish was born on May 21, 1985, in Douglas, Isle of Man. He would go on to become one of the most accomplished professional road racing cyclists. Known for his sprinting ability, Cavendish has amassed numerous wins throughout his career, making him one of cycling's iconic figures. His early life on the Isle of Man was influential in his development as a cyclist.

Mark Cavendish turned professional in 2006 after joining the T-Mobile Team, marking the beginning of an illustrious career in professional cycling. His debut season set the stage for future successes as he quickly established himself as a promising young sprinting talent in the peloton, winning stages in various prestigious races.

Mark Cavendish won his first Tour de France stage on July 4, 2008, in Châteauroux. This victory was significant as it put Cavendish on the map as a top sprinter in the cycling world. He went on to win a total of four stages during the 2008 Tour, showcasing his sprinting prowess against the best in the world.

On September 27, 2009, Mark Cavendish won the Road Race at the World Championships in Mendrisio. This victory capped off a remarkable year for Cavendish, solidifying his status as the fastest sprinter of his generation. His victory was a testament to his tenacity and skill, earning him the prestigious rainbow jersey awarded to world champions.

On July 24, 2011, Mark Cavendish won the green jersey as the points classification leader at the Tour de France. Cavendish won five stages in the tour that year, including the prestigious final stage on the Champs-Élysées in Paris, capping off an extraordinary performance throughout the three-week race. His ability to consistently out-sprint the competition was unmatched.

In January 2012, Mark Cavendish was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for his services to British cycling. This honor from Queen Elizabeth II recognized Cavendish’s contributions to the sport, in particular his many significant victories on the international stage, including multiple Tour de France stage wins and a World Championship title.

On May 12, 2013, Mark Cavendish won his first stage at the Giro d'Italia, the ninth stage from San Sepolcro to Florence. This victory added to his impressive record at Grand Tours, further establishing him as one of the greatest sprinters in the sport's history. Cavendish continued to win stages in subsequent editions of the Giro, showcasing his longevity and sprinting dominance.

On July 18, 2016, Mark Cavendish won his 30th career Tour de France stage in Villars-les-Dombes Parc des Oiseaux. This victory moved him into second place on the all-time list of Tour de France stage winners, behind only the legendary Eddy Merckx. Cavendish's incredible achievement highlighted his enduring speed and competitiveness over a decade of racing.

On June 3, 2021, Mark Cavendish won his 34th stage of the Tour de France in Fougères, tying Eddy Merckx's longstanding record for the most Tour stage wins. This victory marked an incredible comeback for Cavendish, who had struggled with injuries and health issues in preceding years. His return to form and dominant sprinting prowess were celebrated by fans across the globe.

On October 1, 2023, Mark Cavendish announced his retirement from professional cycling, marking the end of an illustrious career in which he became one of the most successful sprinters in history. Over nearly two decades, Cavendish collected numerous victories, including 34 Tour de France stage wins, and his impact on the sport is undeniable.