Crowds gathered at the Isle of Man’s National Sports Centre for a special homecoming event for Sir Mark Cavendish – with the record-smashing cyclist praising the “beautiful” welcome he received
The 39-year-old Manx Missile became the most successful stage winner in Tour de France history when he took his 35th victory.
Sir Mark took part in a lap of honour around the raceway at the sports centre, where he began cycling competitively as a child, accompanied by about 100 local children on their bicycles.
Reflecting on the event, he said: “To see so many kids out riding, so many people out with flags and saying ‘well done’ is very, very beautiful.
Mark Cavendish wearing blue looking back over his should at children riding the bicycles behind him wearing yellow red and blue.
Image caption,About 100 children joined in the event at the National Sports Centre
Children in colourful clothing and bicycle helmets riding on the raceway with crowds waving flags in the background.
Image caption,Children were invited to join Sir Mark Cavendish on the lap
The event was held to mark the cyclist’s first return to the island since breaking Eddy Merckx’s record in July.
Hundreds of people lined the raceway with with Manx flags and homemade signs celebrating the athlete’s achievements.
A red Manx flag featuring the three-legs-of-Mann, with the word Manx Missile Sir Cav written on it.
Image caption,People waved Manx flags around the raceway
Mark Cavendish giving a child on a bicycle a high-five. Lots of other cyclists can be seen in the background.
Image caption,Sir Mark paused at one moment to give a child a high-five
Sir Mark said the track held “brilliant memories” for him and he wanted the children to join him on the lap because “what makes me happy is seeing people on bikes, seeing kids get this love of cycling”.
He continued: “It was beautiful, it was really nice, a wall of noise the whole way round the race circuit and it makes me proud that I get to call this home.”
Crowds gathered alongside the raceway, which has the words Go Cav Manx Missile written on it in multicoloured chalk.
Image caption,Part of the raceway was decorated to celebrate Sir Mark’s achievements
Mark Cavendish in wearing light blue cycling top and white helmet in the middle to a crowd of people.
Image caption,The Manx Missile spent time signing autographs for local fans after the lap
The government has announced plans to rename the raceway in Sir Mark’s honour next year, something he said was “special” and a “massive honour”.
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