In the world of professional cycling where the sport unfolds like a suspenseful novel, the main character figure who became the first British rider to grab the green jersey, Mark Cavendish is set to step foot into his final chapter. With the gusto of a two-wheeled literary hero, he looks forward to spinning the wheels of destiny and chasing down the elusive record of Eddy Merckx.

While speculation prevailed about his retirement in the current year, Cavendish made a surprising appearance at the Gent Six and has decided to extend his career by another year to surpass the legend?s record of 34 Tour de France stage wins.?

Cavendish extended his career to achieve a record

The 38-year-old cyclist while visiting the Gent Six Day, put forward his declaration of putting his initial retirement plans on hold. Followed by a robbery attack on himself and his family, a crash, and a subsequent abandonment at the Tour de France, Cavendish has evolved out of the challenging phase in his career, and the veteran is back in training representing Astana Qazaqstan.?

In an interview with the Global Cycling Network, Cavendish shared his excitement about the upcoming race, ?It?s in Belgium. Belgian people know cycling. It?s not a spectator sport, it?s a lifestyle and it?s in the blood. That?s not just particular for the Gent Six, it?s the same for all races in Belgium. You see the amount of people out watching, the knowledge of the sport from the public, that?s why riders like riding here. It?s more than just a bike ride.?

Failing to make it through for the 2022 Tour de France, he now sets on an adventure to break Eddy Merckx?s record. In the 2021 edition, he equaled the legendary Belgian?s tally of 34 stages. Now he aiming for the title of the rider with the most Tour de France stage wins has become the focal point of his extended career.

Embracing the joy of cycling, Cavendish chases records

Gent Six has played a pivotal role in shaping the British sprinter?s career, from his initial years as a racing junior till the present. His presence at the cycling event has a personal significance since the last time he took part in the event in 2021, Cavendish suffered a heavy fall that left him with two broken ribs.?

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However, overcoming all hurdles his statement about taking part in the upcoming event exuded his passion for the sport, ?It?s racing, and I just love it. I haven?t got long left so I might as well enjoy it?. Even though Cavendish this time, enjoyed the event from the stand accompanied by his son, in a candid moment during the event, he expressed his excitement for taking part in the upcoming event. Nearing the end of his illustrious career, Cavendish?s perspective reflects his determination and deep appreciation to make the most of his final chapter in the WorldTour.?

The Gent Six serves as a symbolic stage for Mark Cavendish as he announces his return to training marking his resilience to continue breaking Merckx?s records as well as enjoy every moment. As he is approaching the twilight of his cycling career, enthusiasts eagerly await to witness Cavendish etching his name in history during the 2024 season.?

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