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United States | Southeast | Virginia >> Mark Cavendish wins his last race before he retires from Pro Cycling

Mark Cavendish wins his last race before he retires from Pro Cycling

Mark Cavendish, the most accomplished sprinter in cycling history, has concluded his career with a final win

Mark Cavendish wins his last race before he retires from Pro Cycling

The 39-year-old announced on Saturday that he would retire after his final race, where he triumphed in a sprint finish at the Tour de France Criterium in Singapore, capping off a 19-year career.

Cavendish, hailing from the Isle of Man, donned race number 35 to commemorate his record number of stage victories in the Tour de France.

Before the race, the Astana-Qazaqstan team member signed autographs and took selfies with fans, and was honored with a 'wheel of honour' - a tribute where other riders lifted their bikes on one wheel and spun the other - at the starting line of the 25-lap, 2.3km course race.

"I'm quite emotional," Cavendish admitted, nearly in tears post-race. "In the last five laps, I realized they were the final 15km of my career.

I was anxious about potentially crashing or something if I vied for the lead. I wanted it so badly. I've always had a passion for this sport."

Throughout his career, Cavendish claimed 165 victories, including the road world championship in 2011, 17 stages at the Giro d'Italia, and three at the Vuelta a Espana. He was knighted in October.

On the track, he secured an omnium silver at the 2016 Olympics and became a three-time Madison world champion.

After postponing his retirement by a year, Cavendish set a new record for the most Tour de France stage wins with a victory in Saint Vulbas in July.

"Cycling is such a form of freedom," he reflected. "It's a way to connect with people; it's a way to be alone with your thoughts. It holds immense potential as a sport, a mode of transport, and a hobby.

"I've always endeavored to do whatever I can to advance this sport, and that won't cease even though I'm no longer competing. In fact, I might be able to contribute even more.

"I'm excited about what the future of my career holds. I couldn't have asked for a better farewell. I'm deeply thankful. I hope everyone found joy in that."