Mark Cavendish is 'the GOAT' – Adam Blythe and Robbie McEwen laud 'phenomenon' retiring sprinter
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Published 23/05/2023 at 11:11 GMT
An emotional Mark Cavendish revealed his plans to retire at the end of the season on Monday, prompting an outpouring of adulation from the world of cycling and beyond. Cavendish has won a joint-record 34 stages at the Tour de France and is expected to go for No. 35 in July with Astana Qazaqstan. Former sprinter Robbie McEwen called the Brit a “once in a generation” rider.
'The GOAT' - Blythe on Cavendish retirement announcement
Mark Cavendish is “the greatest sprinter of all time” and “one of a kind”, said Eurosport expert Adam Blythe after the British legend announced he would retire at the end of the season.
Cavendish has enjoyed a stellar 17-year career, which includes 53 Grand Tour stage wins, a world road race title in 2011 and an Olympic silver medal in the velodrome.
The 38-year-old, who is currently competing at the Giro d’Italia, is expected to target the outright record of stage victories at the Tour de France in July with Astana Qazaqstan. He is currently tied with Belgian icon Eddy Merckx on 34 wins.
“He is the GOAT. He’s the greatest sprinter of all time for me and a great friend,” Blythe said on the ground at the Giro.
“I think it’s his time to stop now, he’s been so successful. One year of his career would make a whole rider’s career, never mind all the other wins he’s had.
“He’s just a phenomenon and one of a kind. I don’t think we’ll see anyone like Cavendish in the years to come.”
Cavendish has not tasted victory since June 2022, although he hinted at a return to form by finishing third on Stage 11 at the Giro.
With two sprint stages left on the menu in Italy, including Wednesday’s run from Camaiore to Tortona, Cavendish could yet end his drought in Italy – if he survives the mountains.
“It’s going to be hard to get there but tomorrow is going to be a good day for him,” added Blythe.
“But he’s a fighter and he’ll be buzzing now, he’ll be full of morale now he’s announced his retirement. I hope we can see a win from him.”
Cavendish 'once in a generation' - McEwen
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Cavendish 'once in a generation' – McEwen after British legend reveals retirement plans
Fellow sprinter Robbie McEwen called Cavendish a “once in a generation” sprinter and praised him for refusing to give up in the tough times.
Cavendish has had numerous setbacks in his career, including battling the Epstein-Barr virus, while he looked set to retire in 2020 after failing to agree a renewal with Bahrain Victorious.
Instead, he was handed a lifeline by Deceuninck-QuickStep and rewarded their faith with four stage wins at the Tour in 2021 to tie Merckx’s all-time record, only to be snubbed the following year.
He moved to Astana Qazaqstan in January aiming for a last hurrah, which may yet arrive at the Giro or the Tour.
“He’s been an absolute phenomenon throughout his career,” said 12-time Giro and Tour stage winner McEwen.
“You get these sprinters that are once in a generation and that’s what he’s been – but he’s also spanned a number of generations.
“He’s had incredible highs, he’s had some lows where you thought he might have called it quits, come out of those lows swinging, and won again. It’s just been an incredible career.”
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