MARK CAVENDISH POWERS TO RECORD-BREAKING 35TH TOUR DE FRANCE STAGE WIN
Mark Cavendish has created history, overtaking Eddy Merckx as the record-holder for Tour de France stage victories after securing his 35th win when triumphing on stage five of this year’s race.
Cavendish outpaced his rivals on the 177.5km stage and duly sealed the milestone in an incredible career.
Among his many achievements, Cavendish has also won two green Tour de France points jerseys, a Rio 2016 Olympic silver omnium medal and the 2011 road world championship rainbow jersey. The 39-year-old will be hoping for more prior to retiring from the sport at the end of the season, something he confirmed would be the case during last month’s Giro d’Italia.
Merckx’s record had stood since 1975, when the Belgian won a split stage time-trial in Auch to make it 34 stage wins at the Tour. Cavendish matched Merckx’s record with victory in Carcassonne three years ago.
Jeremy Whittle’s race report to follow …