Merckx

And so it was that in Saint Vulbas earlier this year, he powered to the line in trademark fashion to beat the long-standing record set by Belgian great Eddy Merckx.

In July, Cavendish won a record-breaking 35th stage of the Tour de France, beating Eddy Merckx's total.

Having jointly held the record for Tour stage wins with the legendary Eddy Merckx since 2021, Cavendish surpassed the Belgian with victory in Saint Vulbas in July.

Cavendish, from the Isle of Man, surpassed the legendary Eddy Merckx in Saint Vulbas, having jointly held the record for most Tour stage wins with the Belgian since 2021.

The sprinter won a record 35th Tour de France stage in the first week of this year's edition, going one clear of Belgian Eddy Merckx's long-standing record - which Cavendish equalled in 2021.