Mark Cavendish closed the curtain on his illustrious career in style, securing victory at the Tour de France Prudential Criterium in Singapore. The 55-kilometre race, held on the vibrant streets of the Asian city-state, was the setting for the 39-year-old’s final competitive ride, marking the end of a career that spanned nearly two decades.
A host of top sprinters gathered for the occasion, including Jasper Philipsen, who took second place, and Arnaud De Lie, finishing third. Reflecting on his journey, Cavendish shared his gratitude on Instagram, writing, “Sunday will be the final race of my professional cycling career. I am lucky enough to have done what I love for almost 20 years, and I can now say that I have achieved everything that I can on the bike.”
A race fit for the ‘Manx Missile’
The event began with a celebratory guard of honour for Cavendish, who led the peloton to rapturous applause from the crowd. Racing in the company of former greats like Vincenzo Nibali, Primoz Roglic, and Chris Froome, the atmosphere was electric as the field embarked on the first laps of the fast-paced circuit. Early attempts to break away kept the peloton active, with both Nibali and Roglic taking their chances at the front in a bid to honour Cavendish with a lively contest.
Despite spirited attacks, the sprinters’ teams managed to control the race, ensuring the day would end in a thrilling bunch sprint. Froome made a final solo bid to upset the sprinters, yet Astana Qazaqstan and Alpecin-Deceuninck marshalled their lead-outs, setting the stage for a clash between Cavendish and Philipsen in the final lap.
Cavendish clinches victory
With just three kilometres to go, Astana Qazaqstan organised a lead-out train for Cavendish. In the final few hundred metres, however, Philipsen’s Alpecin-Deceuninck teammates surged ahead, disrupting the blue train. Unfazed, Cavendish positioned himself well, slipping into Philipsen’s slipstream and executing his final sprint from third position into the last bend. Philipsen made his move down the straight, yet Cavendish, in a display of pure finishing speed, overpowered the Belgian, crossing the line in first place and marking his farewell with a triumphant win.
Following the race, Cavendish expressed his appreciation to the fans and the sport. “Cycling has given me so much, and I love the sport,” he posted. “I’ve always wanted to make a difference in it, and now I am ready to see what the next chapter has in store for me.”
Reflections on a record-breaking career
Cavendish’s victory in Singapore draws a remarkable career to a close. Known as the ‘Manx Missile’ for his powerful sprint finishes, he leaves an indelible mark on the sport with a record 35 Tour de France stage wins, 17 stage victories at the Giro d’Italia, and countless wins across the world’s most prestigious races. This July, he surpassed Eddy Merckx’s long-standing record for Tour de France stage wins, achieving what he described as the “completion” of his racing career.
Speaking to Cycling Weekly at the Saitama Criterium last week, Cavendish reiterated his desire to remain involved in the sport beyond racing. “It’s what I know, have success in,” he said. “It’s what I love more than anything.”
Main photo credit: ASO
