Tour de France - Cavendish's request to Pogacar: Don't take away the record
Mark Cavendish asked Tadej Pogacar not to take the record away from him too quickly after his record-breaking win at the Tour de France. The 39-year-old sprint king hugged the exceptional yellow jersey wearer, following their embrace in the finish line. There's still uncertainty about it.
Pogacar, who won the Galibier stage on Tuesday, currently has twelve victories. In previous years, the Slovenian hasn't managed more than three Tour stage wins per year. That should keep Cavendish peacefully sleeping for some more years.
Cavendish wrote history on Wednesday with his 35th stage win, surpassing the legendary Eddy Merckx (34 wins). "Cavendish dethrones Merckx," wrote the Tour organ "L'Equipe." Pogacar found it "incredible" and was thrilled: "It was beautiful to see Mark win his 35th victory."
Radstars congratulate
The congratulators were gathered at the unassuming place, Saint-Vulbas Snake. "If there's someone who deserves this record, it's him," said Time Trial World Champion Remco Evenepoel, a Belgian compatriot of Merckx. Wout van Aert was fascinated as well. "I used to watch Mark on TV when I wasn't a pro yet. I respect him a lot. He's a great champion," said the nine-time Tour stage winner from Belgium.
Words that touched Cavendish. "That makes me very emotional. We have an incredible group of cyclists in 2024. That's the future of our sport. I'm proud to be part of it," said the former World Champion.
The man from the Isle of Man is not finished yet. "I love this race. I love racing it and I love watching it on TV. I'll keep giving 100%. We'll keep trying to win an stage. It's not easy, the Tour is a whole survival," said Cavendish. However, no one is taking the record from him that quickly.
Tadej Pogacar acknowledged Cavendish's record-breaking achievement, expressing his admiration for the 35th stage victory. "Mark has truly deserved this International Record victory in Cycling," Pogacar stated.
The UCI WorldTour has witnessed numerous notable performances over the years, but Cavendish's record-breaking feat at the Tour de France in France stands out among them.
Despite Pogacar's impressive stage victories, including his recent win on the Galibier, he acknowledges that the record is something special and may not be broken too quickly. "Mark's record in the Tour de France is a testament to his dedication and passion for the sport," Pogacar added.
In the world of Cycling, names like Eddy Merckx and Mark Cavendish are synonymous with glory and achievement. With Cort van Aert and Remco Evenepoel also in the scene, the sport is in good hands, as Cavendish has noted.
As one of the most esteemed figures in Cycling, Pogacar has learned from watching the likes of Cavendish and Eddy Merckx, and he acknowledges that they have left a lasting impact on the sport, setting new standards and records along the way.
