The most successful sprinter in history has announced his retirement

The world’s most decorated sprinter, Mark Cavendishwho is present at the current Giro d’Italia as part of the Astana-Qazagstan team, has called a special press conference for this Monday, taking advantage of the remaining day of the Italian round and as already heard, confirmed by the brilliant cyclist from the Island de Man he will end his successful 17-year career as a professional cyclist at the end of this season.

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cavendishThe 38-year-old, known as the “Missile of Man” for his explosive nature in group sprints, has amassed 161 victories in his career, 34 of them in the Tour de France, equaling the record by the great Belgian Eddy Merckx, a record he aims to take alone in the next edition of the ‘Grande Boucle’.

Cavendish made the announcement at a press conference organized by his team Astana-Kazagstan on the rest day of the Giro d’Italia in Coccaglio, a day after his 38th birthday.

“I’ve loved riding every kilometer of this race so far, so I think it’s the perfect time to say that this is my last Giro d’Italia and that 2023 will be my last season as a professional cyclist,” said Cavendish, who stepped out with his wife Peta and their four children, one of whom, Casper, had a birthday on Monday.

And he was moved when talking about his career: “Cycling has been my life for more than 25 years. I have lived an absolute dream. The bicycle has given me the opportunity to see the world and meet those who are not credible people, many of whom are Ito. makes me proud to call friends. I love the sport more than you can imagine and I don’t see myself going too far from that, that’s for sure,” he commented.

The Briton commented on his future plans, which include spending more time with his extended family. “It’s my son’s birthday, luckily it’s a day off and I can join his party. I think it’s important now that I can be there for every birthday of my wife Peta and all our children. It’s also important that I see all their school concerts and support them in their sports competitions, and it’s important that I can run with them without fear of getting hurt or sick.”

cavendish He has 53 Grand Tours stage victories and also won the 2011 road world title and an individual silver medal in the track omnium at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games as well as winning three track world titles in the madison discipline.

The Tour reacted

The Tour de France responded quickly through social networks to the announcement of the departure of ‘Cav’: “Thank you for everything Mark Cavendish, enjoy your last races. We can’t wait to see you for one last competition in the Tour next July”, said the message of the Tour de France.

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