After every victory in this Tour, Mark Cavendish was invariably asked about Eddy Merckx’s record. Even after he had equalized with Merckx’s number of Tour victories, it was no different.
After his 34th Tour victory, Cavendish said it was just another stage win in the Tour. “It’s not just for the sake of clarity. We made history with the group today. And that’s special to be a part of that,” Cavendish says.
“But I cannot emphasize enough how difficult it is to win a stage in the Tour. In my view, the Tour de France is the biggest sporting event in the world. Riders work their whole lives to win just one stage.”
“I told Nils Politt after his victory that his life will change from now on.”
But how does it feel now to be level with Merckx with his number of Tour victories? “Every rider and almost every sports fan knows the name Eddy Merckx. He is an idol for anyone who has ever ridden a bicycle. He is the greatest cyclist of all time.”
“To be named in the same sentence as him is a great honour. Besides, there is no comparison at all. I am a sprinter. But to be mentioned in the same breath as him is the greatest honor you can get. as a rider.”
“Mark Cavendish was already a huge source of inspiration for me. I said that to him during the winter training camp in Calpe. He was making a comeback just like me. For me he is the best sprinter of all time. It’s great that he supports me and that I can inspire him.”
“Actually, I’m happy that I’m not in the Tour now, then he can show that he still has it. I’m super happy for him. It also makes me happy that he wins again.”
Fabio Jakobsen will also be able to enjoy the blue train at Deceuninck-Quick Step. “That is the red dot on the horizon, I hope to achieve that. For me there is no better team than this Belgian team.”
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