British cycling icon Sir Mark Cavendish expressed that he “couldn’t have asked for a more perfect farewell” after clinching victory in the last race of his professional journey.
The 39-year-old, who received his knighthood last month, mentioned he felt “incredibly emotional” and “immensely grateful” as he finished the challenging 25-lap Singapore Criterium – marking his 166th career win.
“Thank you so much. I couldn’t have asked for a better farewell,” he told Eurosport moments after being celebrated by fellow cyclists, high-fiving supporters, and embracing his wife, Peta.
Mark Cavendish rejoices after completing his final race in Singapore. Pic: Reuters
Upon securing victory in the Singapore sunshine, Sir Mark, famously known as the Manx Missile, shared that he was “quite emotional, indeed”.
“I realized during the final five laps that it represented the last 15km of my career,” he reflected.
“I was truly on the edge. The heat here is quite uncomfortable for me, and I hadn’t raced since the Tour de France, so I was lacking that sharpness.”
“I yearned for this victory so desperately, and I take immense pride in winning [it] as my final professional race.”
Sir Mark had not competed since achieving a record-breaking 35th stage victory in the Tour de France last July, which he suggested would likely be his last race.
At that time, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer was among those honoring “a truly outstanding athlete.”
However, after being awarded his honor by the Prince of Wales at Windsor Castle in October, Sir Mark remarked: “It will be wonderful to race as a Knight Commander.”
Sir Mark was knighted last month. Pic: PA
In a video shared on Instagram prior to Sunday’s race, he stated: “My racing career… accomplished it.”
He further noted: “Sunday will mark the concluding race of my professional cycling journey.
“I’ve been fortunate enough to engage in my passion for nearly two decades, and I can confidently proclaim that I have accomplished everything possible on the bike.
“Biking has granted me immense joy, and my love for the sport runs deep. I’ve always aspired to create a positive impact within it, and now I’m eager to explore what the next chapter holds for me.
“Thank you, everyone, for your unwavering support always. Cav.”
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Sir Mark, who embarked on his professional cycling career in 2005, initially planned to retire in 2023. However, he decided to defer that due to a crash during that year’s Tour de France.
He has registered a total of 166 victories throughout his career, including the world title in 2011, stages in all three Grand Tours, and the Milan-San Remo triumph in 2009.
Additionally, he earned a silver medal in the omnium at the 2016 Rio Olympics, achieved scratch gold at the Commonwealth Games in 2006 representing the Isle of Man, and has been crowned a three-time world champion in Madison on the track.
Reflecting on his final win, he remarked: “I’ve always had a passion for this sport, particularly the Tour de France… it transcends a mere bike race… it embodies what children aspire to, what adults dream of, and what you envision while training.”
He concluded: “I’m excited about what the next phase of my life entails, albeit not on a bicycle, and I am eager to reconnect with everyone soon.”
