PERFECT S'PORE SEND-OFF

Cavendish finishes career at Tour de France Criterium by notching 166th win

- Melvyn Teoh

It was a race ending that could not have been better scripted for British cycling legend Mark Cavendish, who brought the curtains down on his illustrious 19-year career by winning the Prudential Tour de France Singapore Criterium on Nov 10.

Just as unforgettable as his 166th victory was the guard of honour formed by the 39-year-old's rivals before the start of the race at the Esplanade Park.

Balancing their bikes on the back wheels and spinning the front wheels in unison, they formed two rows as the "Manx Missile" cruised between them.

"That was incredible, super nice and actually, that was the first time I probably got emotional today. It was very unexpected and I am very, very touched by that," said Cavendish, who collected a record 35th Tour de France stage victory this summer after delaying his plans to retire in 2023.

"It's always difficult not to cry... but I'm okay. I've known for a while that I'd stop.