Mark Cavendish Sets New Stage Record at Tour de France.

Posted 2 days ago

Mark Cavendish made history at the Tour de France by securing his 35th stage victory, surpassing the legendary Eddy Merckx. He achieved this milestone with a spectacular sprint finish in Saint Vulbas.

In what is expected to be his final Tour, 39-year-old Mark Cavendish surged ahead in a dramatic stage five finale, celebrating his 35th stage win with arms raised in triumph as his team embraced him at the finish line.

This historic achievement comes a year after Cavendish's race-ending crash on stage eight, following a near-record-breaking victory attempt against Jasper Philipsen.

Reflecting on his win, Cavendish told ITV, "You sprint as hard as you can until you reach the finish. If you cross the line first, your life might change; if not, it might not. That's the beauty of this race."

Cavendish had shared the record for most Tour stage wins with Belgian legend Eddy Merckx since 2021, when he secured his 34th stage win.

Although last year was supposed to be his 14th and final Tour, his desire to hold the outright record motivated him to return for one more year.

By delaying his retirement, Cavendish, already considered the greatest sprinter of all time, has now achieved the milestone he so desperately sought.