After Mark Cavendish's announcement that he will retire from professional cycling at the end of the season, Dot Tilbury, his first mentor, has called for him to receive a knighthood for his contribution to the sport.
Speaking to CW ahead of his stage win at the Giro, Tilbury - who organises national children's cycling league sessions on the Isle of Man - said that Cavendish had made a huge contribution to cycling on the island and that she believes it deserves recognition.
"He should be knighted," Tilbury said.
"Without a doubt. He has such pulling power and provides such inspiration for kids cycling here. They love him." Tilbury first met Cavendish at a cycling league session held in the island's National Sports Centre [NSC] and explained that the volume of young riders he has inspired to take up the sport is "unprecedented", especially since 2011.
"The year he won the green jersey in the Tour for the very first time, the following year we had 672 young riders sign on for the sessions we had at the NSC, such was the inspiration that he sparked among young cyclists here," Tilbury said. "Of those 672, I think only a small number rode once and then didn't come again.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
CLASSIC BIKE COLNAGO SUPER
A trailblazing bike immortalised by Merckx and Saronni
"Strava activities are the only way I know some of my friends are still alive"
...or that Bernard is doing his weekly shop
AN EXPERT'S TAKE ON... SADDLE SELECTION
Crucial advice to guide your next purchase
JUST A NUMB#R?
Approaching a landmark birthday, Charlie Graham-Dixon explores how ageing affects cycling performance and what can be done to stay ahead of the curve
RURAL PERIL
More UK cyclists are killed on rural lanes than on busy city streets. Rob Kemp investigates why and what can be done to keep us safe while riding in the countryside
A BLESSED RIDE THROUGH THE FOREST OF BOWLAND
Forgoing cloak, cassock and cross, Trevor Ward goes in search of the holy roads that helped make a Tour winner
Dame Sarah Storey claims road and 19th gold double
More success for Team GB's Paralympians in Paris, but Storey slams women's time trial course
Roglič matches Vuelta win record
Slovenian takes fourth Tour of Spain title after hunting down O'Connor's lead, writes Adam Becket
Williams crowned Tour of Britain champion
Welshman leads home resurgence at the stage race to crown an Israel-Premier Tech clean sweep, reports Tom Davidson in Felixstowe
CLASSIC BIKE CLAUD BUTLER OLYMPIC ROAD
Iconic British brand's Holdsworth-era road bike