Le Mans has handed the honour to various stars over the years. Now, an ace on two wheels is to take centre stage.
Mark Cavendish, a renowned cyclist with multiple accomplishments in his career, has been given the special role of the official starter for the upcoming Le Mans 24 Hours race.
Throughout his impressive cycling journey, Cavendish set a Tour de France record with 35 stage wins and achieved three world championship gold medals in track cycling’s madison event.
His reputation as an outstanding sprinter in the history of the Tour de France was solidified in the 2024 race when he surpassed Eddy Merckx’s stage wins record.
In addition to his Tour de France successes, Cavendish also clinched victories in the Giro d’Italia and Vuelta a España, showcasing his versatility and skill in road cycling.
The Le Mans 24 Hours organization celebrated Cavendish’s participation as the official starter, emphasizing the event’s significance as the “Ultimate Sprinter for the Ultimate Race” and highlighting his illustrious career achievements.
Cavendish expressed his excitement for the opportunity to be a part of the prestigious Le Mans race, acknowledging the event’s historical importance and his personal connection to France and the Tour de France.
As a symbol of excellence and passion in sports, Cavendish’s presence as the official starter resonates with the values cherished by the Automobile Club de l’Ouest, further elevating the anticipation for the 94th edition of the iconic race.