Mark Cavendish on his 'greatest joy' in response to LeBron James, Roger Federer and Usain Bolt comparison

Mark Cavendish has described the «greatest joy» that he gets from all that he has achieved in professional cycling, above all of his legendary records and titles. Speaking in an exclusive interview with Eurosport’s Adam Blythe, Cavendish expressed his excitement about Astana’s transition to sprints as he attempts to launch a memorable return to the highest level aged 37. Ad He also took the opportunity in the one-to-one to describe the Tour de France as “above the sport” as he underlined how special the event is — both for him personally in his illustrious career, and more broadly for cycling as a sport.

CyclingCavendish exclusive: Astana presents 'perfect opportunity' to win sprints15 HOURS AGO Blythe also asked his friend if he realised that some would consider his standing within cycling to be equivalent to the likes of LeBron James in basketball, Roger Federer in tennis and Usain Bolt in athletics, Cavendish was typically self-effacing. «Not really,» said the modest Cavendish. «I think the greatest joy I get is… I cannot deny that people say 'I got into cycling because of you'.

That is the proudest thing I get from my career, you know. »My kids get inspired by other sports people. They get inspired by cyclists, they watch the World Cup and my boy has got a (Lionel) Messi kit now.

«That is what sport is about and people dream to be like them. Do you remember when we were out riding when we were young and you'll be someone and I'll be someone? When you are racing like that, that is what you want, isn't it? »I see my own kids doing it and you actually realise what it is about." Asked if his own kids pretend to be him, he responded: «Ah, yes — and it makes me really proud. It is special; it really is, you know.