Mark Cavendish, already hailed as the greatest sprinter in cycling history, secured his place in Tour de France lore by winning his 35th stage at Saint Vulbas on Wednesday, surpassing the legendary Eddy Merckx. This remarkable achievement comes in Cavendish’s 15th Tour, culminating a career marked by resilience and extraordinary success.

Initially planning to retire after his 14th Tour, Cavendish’s desire to break the stage wins record motivated him to delay retirement. His 35th victory, achieved at the age of 39, underscores the longevity and breadth of his career. This triumph is his 165th career win, a testament to his skill and determination.

Merckx, a five-time Tour winner between 1969 and 1974, congratulated Cavendish on social media, acknowledging the historic nature of the accomplishment. Cavendish had equaled Merckx’s record of 34 stage wins in 2021. Overcoming numerous challenges, including a robbery, injuries, and team uncertainties, Cavendish persevered to achieve this milestone.

Cavendish’s love affair with the Tour began on July 7, 2008, at Chateauroux, where he won his first stage. His breakthrough came in 2005 with a world title in the madison event, gaining prominence in the British Cycling academy under Rod Ellingworth. Known for his ability to read finishes and produce devastating accelerations, Cavendish has been a formidable presence in La Grande Boucle.

Cavendish’s journey was not without setbacks. After drawing level with Merckx, he faced personal and professional challenges, including a knife-point robbery and a broken collarbone that forced him out of last year’s Tour. Despite these hurdles, he maintained his focus and determination, culminating in this record-breaking win.

Astana Qazaqstan team, led by sporting director and former lead-out man Mark Renshaw, played a crucial role in Cavendish’s recent success. Renshaw praised Cavendish’s commitment and the team’s confidence in him. Vasilis Anastopoulos, head of performance at Astana and Cavendish’s former coach at Quick Step, was instrumental in rejuvenating his career, contributing to his victories in 2021 and 2022.

Cavendish’s achievements extend beyond cycling. His 2023 Netflix documentary, “Mark Cavendish: Never Enough,” highlights his passion for the sport and his belief that “without the Tour de France, cycling does not exist.” His strike rate of nearly one win in six stages (35 victories out of 215 completed stages) is extraordinary.

At the finish line, the camaraderie among riders was evident as they embraced Cavendish, celebrating his historic win. Race leader Tadej Pogacar expressed admiration, recalling how he watched Cavendish on television and acknowledging the improbability of breaking his record.

Peter Kennaugh, Cavendish’s former Team Sky teammate, praised his resilience and dedication, emphasizing that Cavendish’s accomplishments transcend cycling history to become a part of sporting history. Kennaugh highlighted Cavendish’s ability to thrive on adversity and his unwavering passion for the sport.

Cavendish’s 35th stage win is a testament to his enduring talent, dedication, and love for cycling, ensuring his legacy in the annals of Tour de France history.