With his 35th stage win at the Tour de France, Mark Cavendish finally leaves Eddy Merckx (34 wins).
After his biggest win at the Tour de France, superstar Mark Cavendish had just one request for Tadej Pogacar. The 39-year-old sprint king told the exceptional cyclist in the yellow jersey that he should not have taken the record so quickly after the two cycling stars hugged at the end. The concern remains unfounded. Pogacar, who won the Galibier stage on Tuesday, currently has twelve wins. In recent years, Slovenia won no more than three tour stages per year. That should keep King Cav sleeping peacefully for a few more years.
With his 35th stage win, Cavendish made history on Wednesday and finally left the legendary Eddy Merckx (34 wins) behind him. “Cavendish dethrones Merckx,” wrote the tour organ “L’Equipe”. Pogacar found it “unbelievable” and was overjoyed: “It was great to see Mark get his 35th win.”
Cycling stars congratulate
There was goodwill in the inconspicuous town of Saint-Vulbas. “If anyone deserves this record, it’s him,” world time trial champion Remco Evenepoel said after Belgium’s Merckx. Wout van Aert was also interested. “I watched Mark on TV when I was not yet a professional. I really respect him. He’s a great champion,” said the nine-time Tour stage winner from Belgium.
Words related to Cavendish. “That makes me very emotional. We have an incredible group of professional cyclists in 2024. This is the future of our sport. I’m proud to be here,” said the former world champion.
But the man from the Isle of Man is not done yet. “I love this race. I love to drive and I love to watch TV. I will continue to give 100 percent. We will continue to try to win a degree. “It’s not easy, the Tour is about survival,” Cavendish said. But no one will take the record away from him so quickly.