Tributes to Mark Cavendish have poured in from across the cycling world after the legendary British sprinter announced he will retire from the sport at the end of 2023.
The 38-year-old confirmed his plans to call time on his 17-year career in a press conference during Monday’s second rest day at the Giro d’Italia.
“Cycling’s been my life for over 25 years. I’ve lived an absolute dream,” he said, emotion clear in his eyes.
After the Manxman’s announcement, Geraint Thomas – his friend and former team-mate – heaped praise on Cavendish and recalled many fond memories of racing alongside him.
“He’s the greatest sprinter of all time really when you look at his record,” Thomas said. “It’s been an honour to ride with him, and I’ve been mates with him for 25 years. One of my team-mates, Thymen [Arensman] is 23, so that shows how old we both are now.
“I was there when he won the Worlds [in 2011], and we’ve raced as under 23s and juniors all over the world and got a lot of experiences together. It’s kind of strange to see him retire, as it means I’ll be soon as well. It’s a funny one as you kind of think you’ll always keep racing your bike but you know that really you’re not [going to].
“He hasn’t finished yet, he’s still got to get that record at the Tour.”
This story is from the May 25, 2023 edition of Cycling Weekly.
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 May 25, 2023 edition of Cycling Weekly.
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