Thousands Flock to Welcome Sir Mark Cavendish Home

The grass banks surrounding the NSC track were a sea of excitement as the Isle of Man turned out in force to welcome home one of its most celebrated sons, Sir Mark Cavendish.

Known worldwide as the ‘Manx Missile’, Cavendish returned to where it all started after a triumphant season that has cemented his place as the greatest road sprinter of all time. 

The event was organised by the Isle of Man government who planned it as an opportunity to honour one of cycling’s most iconic heroes.

Cavendish is officially the most prolific Tour De France stage winner and the greatest road sprinter of all time.

He is also an Olympic silver medalist, Commonwealth Games gold medalist and a former road race champion.

Youngsters joined Mark as he completed three laps of the cycling track he rode as a child.

Afterwards he spoke to Gef, and said the event was ‘really nice’.

He continued: ‘‘It was a really, really beautiful reception, and really made me happy.

‘What made me happy was to see so many kids out riding.

I love racing. I’m a racer and I love seeing kids race.

‘But what I love even more than that is the seeing people, not just kids, people just enjoying riding a bicycle.

‘I still love riding a bicycle, and even if it’s one lap round here.’