Mark Cavendish’s dream of surpassing Eddy Merckx’s record of 34 Tour de France stage wins has come crashing down, quite literally. The renowned sprinter experienced heartbreak on Saturday as he was forced to exit the race following a crash in the eighth stage.
Cavendish had come agonizingly close to breaking the record in Friday’s stage seven, only to be denied in a sprint finish by Belgium’s Jasper Philipsen. With hopes high and the finish line in sight, the 38-year-old cyclist saw his aspirations shattered within 24 hours.
During the grueling 200-kilometer stage from Libourne to Limoges, Cavendish’s race took an unfortunate turn when he became entangled in a crash. Approximately three-quarters into the stage, the Astana rider was seen entering a medical van, seemingly nursing a shoulder injury.
This recent setback adds to Cavendish’s string of misfortune. Just a day prior, he attributed a narrow defeat in Bordeaux to a mechanical issue. “Unfortunately, I had a problem with my gears when I was sprinting,” Cavendish revealed. “I went from the 11 [sprocket] to the 12 and had to sit down and go back to the 11. It was pretty devastating there, actually. It wasn’t good. I guess it’s not meant to be.”
The end of Cavendish’s final Tour de France will undoubtedly leave a bittersweet taste for the sprinting legend. Despite his remarkable career and tremendous achievements, the coveted record that seemed within reach has now slipped away. As Cavendish recuperates from his injuries, fans and cycling enthusiasts worldwide will reflect on his exceptional contributions to the sport and cherish the memories he has left on the grandest stage of all.
