Messages of congratulation flood in for Cavendish

The Isle of Man, cyclists and celebrities pay tribute to Manx Missile's record

The Isle of Man, the cycling world and even a Hollywood actor have been congratulating Mark Cavendish after he became the most successful rider at the Tour de France.

The Manx Missile won a 35th stage at the race yesterday, beating Eddy Merckx's record.

The win comes a year after Cavendish had been due to retire, but after breaking his collarbone in last year's Tour de France, he decided to extend his career in a bid to break the record. His wife, Peta Todd, told ITV Cycling about that decision:

"I never wanted him to sit at home and wonder if he could have done it"

Peta Todd, Mark Cavendish's wife, talks to Daniel about what this record breaking win means and the sacrifices their family have made this year 🙌🇮🇲#TDF2024 pic.twitter.com/vuavgQ10S7

— ITV Cycling (@itvcycling) July 3, 2024

The victory has led to an outpouring of messages for the 39-year-old on social media.

Onchan MHK Julie Edge recently revealed she'd arranged for the NSC cycleway to be renamed in his honour - and she's now keen to see a statue:

The greatest Sprinter in the World and he’s from our Island the Isle of Man - well done Sir Mark Cavendish 🇮🇲we have named his Raceway where it all started - now a statue required @alfredcannan 🇮🇲 pic.twitter.com/c4pnhyfKVw

— Julie Edge MHK -for Onchan its people &🇮🇲 (@VOTEJulieEdge) July 3, 2024

Ballakermeen High School paid tribute to the achievements of its former pupil:

For so many years, Sir Mark Cavendish has made all Manx kids believe that they can achieve anything on a world stage. He is an inspiration to us all. Today, he becomes the greatest ever, and he once walked the same corridors as we do now. 🇮🇲🚴@MarkCavendish 👏🏻👏🏻 pic.twitter.com/EyZUYS2Vch

— BHS Sixth Form (@BallakermeenSF) July 3, 2024

Former Manx cyclist Peter Kennaugh raced alongside Cavendish throughout his career, and is now part of ITV's team covering the Tour de France:

"I'd take my bike and walk off into the sunset. Mark Cavendish won't"

Gary and @Petekennaugh discuss Mark Cavendish's astonishing career 🤯🇮🇲🚀#TDF2024 pic.twitter.com/zsZPgKR8IK

— ITV Cycling (@itvcycling) July 3, 2024

It doesn’t get any better !!

baby sat by him, went to my first race with him, worked for him, raced against him, argued/laughed with him, commentated on him.

So thankful to see him after the finish Hardly a word shared but wasn’t needed. pic.twitter.com/xKEZfRGJak

— Peter kennaugh (@Petekennaugh) July 3, 2024

2018 Tour de France winner Geraint Thomas and four-time champion Chris Froome were teammates of Cavendish's during his stint with Team Sky:

At the start of my career leading Cav out was a joy. A fellow Brit, changing the landscape of cycling. To see what he did today, 16 years after his first Tour stage, is almost unbelievable. But, it’s Cav. Nothing’s unbelievable. Congrats mate. They don’t call you Sir for nothing pic.twitter.com/ppR9OJmmRJ

— Geraint Thomas (@GeraintThomas86) July 3, 2024

Congratulations @MarkCavendish !! History made 👏🇬🇧 #TdF2024

— Chris Froome (@chrisfroome) July 3, 2024

Ed Clancy came through British Cycling's junior ranks alongside Cavendish:

They say champions always believe in themselves.

I remember twenty-odd years ago this fella always said he was going to be the best sprinter in the world.

And so it is!
Well done old pal 👏 @LeTour pic.twitter.com/9bQ6cyl21o

— Ed Clancy OBE (@Ed_Clancy) July 3, 2024

Tom Mazzone was part of the Isle of Man's cycling squad for the 2022 Commonwealth Games alongside Cavendish:

The GOAT!! 🐐 @MarkCavendish https://t.co/pZx2aKv0uj

— Tom Mazzone ™️ (@TomMazzone) July 3, 2024

Hollywood actor Ben Stiller has been a regular supporter of Cavendish's during his career, frequently sending messages of good luck and congratulations to the Manx Missile:

Incredible. What a journey for Cavendish. So tough, so much resolve.
So happy for him. https://t.co/qinhWnfRws

— Ben Stiller (@BenStiller) July 3, 2024

Cavendish's team, Astana Qazaqstan recognised the work the team put into the stage win:

Tadej Pogacar is currently in the yellow jersey at this year's Tour de France, and Cavendish had a message for him:

Mark Cavendish tells Tadej Pogacar not to break his record 🤣 #TDF2024 pic.twitter.com/UpoBma4aXt

— NBC Sports Cycling (@NBCSCycling) July 3, 2024