Tour de France: Mark Cavendish, the emotion of goodbye
EFE · Road Competition · 06/29/2023
Mark Cavendish, the renowned British cyclist from the Astana-Qazaqstan team, is experiencing a bittersweet mix of emotions as he embarks on his final Tour de France. This race has bestowed upon him immense glory, but it also marks the end of an era for him. However, there is still a glimmer of hope for Cavendish to surpass the legendary Eddy Merckx as the cyclist with the most victories, as he aims to secure another stage win.
“I can’t allow myself to get too excited just yet, as there is still work to be done,” expressed the rider from the Isle of Man, who is participating in the prestigious event for the fifteenth time, now donning the colors of the Astana team.
Yet, Cavendish’s true sentiments betray his words, as he struggles to hold back tears while responding to the journalists who remind him that this will be his final appearance in the Tour de France.
“It’s difficult to put into words the overwhelming emotions that this race evokes within me,” the British cyclist confessed with a trembling voice.
Cavendish, who recently turned 38, is well aware that claiming sprint victories in this year’s Tour will be no easy feat. The competition is fierce, and opportunities for group finishes are scarce.
The British cyclist has already achieved an impressive 35 stage wins throughout his Tour de France career, matching the record set by Merckx. Thus, he stands on the precipice of etching his name even deeper into the annals of this historic race.
“I can’t fully comprehend what it signifies…” Cavendish admitted, his voice trailing off as he wiped away his tears.
“This race has gifted me with the most incredible emotions. I would deeply regret it if I didn’t savor every moment until the very end, and that entails striving for more victories,” he affirmed.
Among his primary rivals in the anticipated sprint finishes is Dutchman Dylan Groenewegen, who wholeheartedly supports Cavendish’s quest to become the most successful cyclist in the history of the Tour de France.
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