Sir Mark Cavendish’s 19-year professional career is being honoured as he receives the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Lifetime Achievement award tomorrow night. His illustrious cycling career will be acknowledged on stage in Media City in Salford on Tuesday 17 December at 7pm on BBC iPlayer and BBC One, cementing his status as the most successful sprinter of all time.
The 39-year-old cycling legend from the Isle of Man, initially planned to retire in 2023, but postponed his farewell to chase a record-breaking 35th stage win at the Tour de France. In a stunning display of determination and skill, the ‘Manx Missile’ claimed victory on stage five in Saint-Vulbas, securing his place in history as the sole holder of the record. This triumph marked the 165th win of his distinguished career and solidified his reputation as one of the sport’s all-time greats.
Mark Cavendish says: “I dreamed of being like my heroes when I was young – that gave me inspiration to train, to compete, to travel. And if you can be that name that inspires then I think that’s an important legacy to leave.”
Alex Kay-Jelski, Director of BBC Sport says: “Mark Cavendish has redefined what is possible in the world of cycling. From his medals on the track to his breathtaking Tour de France record, his determination to achieve greatness is nothing short of extraordinary. Mark has inspired generations of athletes and fans alike through his sporting achievements and openness about his mental health struggles. His legacy as one of the greatest cyclists of all time makes him a truly deserving winner of the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Lifetime Achievement award.”
Following his record-breaking victory, the 2011 BBC Sports Personality of the Year made one last sprint finish to win his final race, November’s Tour de France Criterium in Singapore. The peloton showed their respect with an emotional ‘wheel of honour’ on the start line.
Cavendish twice won the Tour’s green jersey, awarded to the rider with the most points, and boasts a further 17 stage wins in the Giro d’Italia, three in the Vuelta a Espana and he also claimed the road world title in 2011. On the track he won omnium silver at the 2016 Olympics, three madison world titles and a Commonwealth Games gold for the Isle of Man. He was honoured with a knighthood earlier this year.
Inspired by Chris Boardman winning individual pursuit gold at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, Cavendish began racing when he was 11 and turned pro in 2005. His longevity stands out in a sport dominated in recent years by cyclists in their mid-twenties.
His career, though, was not without its low points and he feared it was over after battles with illness, injuries and depression from 2017 to 2020. He bounced back spectacularly in 2021 with four stage wins at that year’s Tour, only to be left out in 2022 and have his 2023 race swiftly curtailed by injury. However, his legendary competitive edge meant he was not to be denied and Cavendish heads into retirement with his place among cycling’s pantheon of greats emphatically secured.
Previous winners of the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Lifetime Achievement award include Billie Jean King, Pele, Sir Bobby Charlton, Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson, David Beckham, Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill, Sir Chris Hoy, Simone Biles, Usain Bolt and last year’s winner Sir Kenny Dalglish.
BBC Sports Personality of the Year takes place on Tuesday 17 December at 7pm live on BBC One and iPlayer from Media City in Salford.
For voting criteria on all awards please visit: BBC Sports Personality
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