With thirty-five stage victories in the Tour de France, Mark Cavendish holds the all-time record for individual stage wins in the competition, surpassing the previous benchmark set by Eddy Merckx. Born in 1985 in Douglas, Isle of Man, this professional cyclist established himself as a dominant force in both road sprinting and track disciplines throughout a career spanning two decades.
Early Development and Track Success
Educated at Ballakermeen High School, Cavendish began his competitive journey in BMX and local club racing. His potential was identified by coaches Rod Ellingworth and John Herety, who advocated for his inclusion in British Cycling's Olympic Academy in 2003. He transitioned successfully into track cycling, securing gold medals in the madison at the 2005 and 2008 UCI Track Cycling World Championships. He also represented the Isle of Man at the 2006 Commonwealth Games, where he won gold in the scratch race.
Twenty questions, eight minutes on the clock, and a percentile measured against everyone who has taken it. No sign-up.
Take the IQ test →Professional Road Racing Career
Turning professional in 2005 with Team Sparkasse, Cavendish quickly moved to the T-Mobile Team. His professional trajectory was marked by significant achievements, including the 2011 Road World Championships men's road race title. His expertise as a sprinter allowed him to claim points classifications across all three Grand Tours: the 2010 Vuelta a España, the 2011 and 2021 Tour de France, and the 2013 Giro d'Italia. Between 2008 and 2024, his accumulation of 35 Tour de France stage wins cemented his status in the sport's history.
Recognition and Honours
In 2011, Cavendish received the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Award following his successful season. He was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) the same year for services to cycling. In 2024, he was awarded a Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire (KBE) in recognition of his contributions to cycling and charity work, followed by the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Lifetime Achievement Award.
Fast facts
- Born: 1985, Douglas, Isle of Man
- Tour de France stage wins: 35
- World Championship titles: 2005, 2008, 2016 (Madison)
- 2011 Road World Champion
- Appointed KBE: 2024
- Member of British Cycling Olympic Academy class of 2003
Questions readers ask
How many Tour de France stages has Mark Cavendish won?
He has won 35 Tour de France stages, placing him first on the all-time list.
Did Mark Cavendish compete in the Olympic Games?
Yes, he competed in the 2008, 2012, and 2016 Summer Olympics, winning a silver medal in the omnium in 2016.
Achievements
- Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire
- Competed at the 2016 Summer Olympics
- Competed at the 2008 Summer Olympics
- Competed at the 2012 Summer Olympics
