As Mark Cavendish prepares to hang up his cycling shoes, the legendary British cyclist is looking ahead to what life will hold for him after the race.
He’s set to compete in his final professional outing at the two-day Tour de France Criterium in early November, marking a significant milestone in a remarkable career.
A Glorious Career
Cavendish, often referred to as the “Manx Missile,” boasts an impressive record of 165 wins, which includes a groundbreaking 35 stage victories at the Tour de France.
It’s worth noting that he hasn’t raced since achieving this remarkable feat back in July.
Hailing from the Isle of Man, Cavendish also brought home a silver medal in the track cycling event at the 2016 Rio Olympics, along with three world titles in the Madison discipline.
Although he initially planned to retire at the end of the 2023 season, a crash at last year’s Tour prompted him to extend his career by another year.
A New Chapter
Looking ahead, Cavendish shared his thoughts on what’s next during an interview with Men’s Health UK, where he graced the cover of the November issue.
He emphasized the importance of transitioning to something new rather than just stopping altogether.
“I speak to Peta [his wife] a lot about replacing the thrill of what I do. For me, though, it’s not about stopping, it’s about starting something new,” he explained.
Cavendish expressed his desire to stay connected to the sport through management roles.
He has played a pivotal part in his team, Astana Qazaqstan, bringing in fresh talent over the past two years and has a clear vision for future success.
“I’ve been building up to the moment I’m not racing,” he stated.
Embracing Running and Relaxation
Aside from cycling, Cavendish is eager to embrace running as a new passion.
“It’s pure – get your shoes on and off you go! I’ve already agreed to do the Paris Marathon with my brother…
I’m really looking forward to the time when I don’t have to wake up and follow a specific program on a computer.
I can just ride with my friends, and it doesn’t matter if I go fast or slow,” he shared.
Life After the Bubble
Cavendish also reflected on the challenges of transitioning from the structured life of a pro cyclist.
“You can be a bit lost. It’s mad; you’ve been in this one race for a month where everything is on a tight schedule.
You just exist and do it. I finished the Tour because I’ve won one in every six or seven races I’ve participated in.
Most guys might have one win out of 300, or some don’t win at all,” he remarked.
He noted that while cycling brings incredible highs, it can also be isolating.
“The sport does f*** you. Solitude is a big thing; so much time on the bike, so much time traveling, so much time alone. It doesn’t matter if you enjoy your own company; too much of it isn’t good for you.”
The Toll of Time
Cavendish candidly discussed the toll that years of cycling and multiple injuries have taken on him.
“I feel old now. I feel broken. It takes me a while to get going. These days, I’m like a diesel engine – which I never was before. It takes me an hour on the bike before I can do intervals. Just getting fit now is so f***ing hard,” he admitted.
For those eager to read more about Cavendish’s journey and future plans, the full interview can be found in the November issue of Men’s Health UK, available from October 15th.