Mark Cavendish exclusive: The Tour de France 'is my life' but all-time stage record is 'irrelevant'
Mark Cavendish (Astana Qazaqstan) may be one victory away from claiming the outright record of Tour de France stage wins, but the 38-year-old insists it is “irrelevant” as he gears up for his swansong at cycling’s biggest race. Cavendish is tied with Belgian great Eddy Merckx on 34 stage wins after an astonishing career, which will come to a close later in 2023. Ad He made a stunning return to form at the Giro d’Italia, when he survived the mountains to win the final stage in Rome after a surprise helping hand from Ineos' Geraint Thomas.


