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British Sprint Ace Mark Cavendish Knighted ahead of Tour de France

British cyclist Mark Cavendish has been given a knighthood in King Charles's birthday honours in the UK

Mark Cavendish wins final sprint in Rome at the 2023 Giro d'Italia

The 39-year-old from the Isle of Man shares the record of 34 Tour de France stage wins with the legendary Belgian Eddy Merckx and has delayed his planned retirement by a year to have another crack at claiming the record outright.

Known as the Manx Missile, the 39-year-old recently achieved his 164th career victory, making him the most successful men’s sprint cyclist of all time.

He won the world road race title in 2011 and was also a silver medallist in the omnium at the 2016 Olympics and four gold medals in the World Cycling Championships.

"I'm truly humbled to be honoured by His Majesty The King," said Astana rider Cavendish.

"It's always been the biggest privilege to represent my country, and seeing cycling as the sport, pastime and mode of transport I've given my life to, grow in Great Britain during the span of my career has given me joy and pride beyond words.

"I'm truly thankful to everybody that has lived this journey with me."

Other cycling knights include Chris Hoy, Bradley Wiggins and Jason Kenny whose wife Laura Kenny was made a dame in 2022.

Locked with Belgian legend Eddy Merckx since an astonishing return to form on the 2021 Tour lifted his tally to 34, he was encouraged to bow out on a high after being overlooked for the 2022 edition.

In 2023 he was forced to abandon the Tour de France after he fell to the ground during a touch of wheels in the peloton, around 60km from the end of stage eight between Libourne to Limoges.

Sir Mark Cavendish is set to take part in the 2024 Tour de France which starts in Florence on June 29 and ends in Nice on July 21.

He only needs to win one stage to win the record outright.