Mark Cavendish, an outstanding cyclist, was honored by the mayor of the city of Nice this Thursday, August 29, at the Villa Masséna. This legend, who broke the record for stage wins in the Tour de France, is now an honorary citizen.
167 races won. Including now 35 stage victories in the Tour de France. Mark Cavendish becomes a legend in cycling with this new record for stage victories in the Tour de France, surpassing Eddy Merckx.
This achievement was dear to him. Already in 2023, he attempted it, but suffered a violent crash. His plan fell apart: he fractured his right collarbone. But that didn’t stop him. The cyclist postponed his retirement by a year to achieve his goal and persisted! On July 3, 2024, he claimed his 35th victory in the Tour de France during the 5th stage!
Mark Cavendish honored by Nice
A video montage of his races was viewed by the public. Moved, Christian Estrosi presented him with the Aigla nissarda gold tier, the Nice equivalent of the “Legion of Honor.” Cavendish was also named an honorary citizen of the city, a distinction reflecting admiration for his legendary sporting career.
During the evening, Yann Le Moenner, the CEO of Amaury Sport Organisation (ASO), also received the Aigla nissarda gold tier, in recognition of his dedication to the Tour de France.
Mark Cavendish Bid Farewell to the Tour de France
“Everyone who loves cycling, who rides, dreams one day of wearing the yellow jersey of the Tour de France,” explains the sprinter. Very grateful, the Briton has now finished with the Grande Boucle. “I owe everything to the Tour de France, it has transformed my life in unimaginable ways.”
Nice, a Favorite City
Thus, his travels led him to Nice, a favorite city. “I spent 20 years abroad, I wanted the best place in the world to relax, for the first time in 20 years. I couldn’t do it right after the Tour de France. So, the first opportunity we had, my family and I came back to Nice.”
Mark hinted at the possibility of living on the coast. “When I was younger, it was my goal to do the Tour de France. My first Tour de France started in London, at home. It ends, I hope, in my future home.”
