Mark Cavendish turned Sir Mark Cavendish after he was made a Knight Commander by the UK’s Prince William in a ceremony at Windsor Citadel on Wednesday.
The 39-year-old acquired the honour after he achieved a report breaking thirty fifth stage win on the Tour de France this summer season. Cavendish admitted he was “nervous” forward of the ceremony, and joked that one in every of his youngsters thinks he’ll now be seen frequently carrying a go well with of armour as an alternative of his typical lycra get-up.
“I didn’t actually know I’d be nervous,” Cavendish stated based on The Guardian. “However I’m so extremely pleased with representing the nation… I’m very lucky to have gotten to do what I like for thus a few years, and to see different individuals impressed by that and driving bikes themselves.
“It is great. You realize, I am only a lad from the Isle of Man, to be a Knight Commander, that is not one thing I might ever have dreamed of.”
“One of many boys thinks I’m going to be strolling about in armour,” he added after being knighted.
Receiving the honour of being made a Knight Commander is without doubt one of the highest awards and probably the most prestigious in Britain. The award is reserved for many who have made important contributions to public service, sports activities, inventive arts, politics, and different areas.
Talking on the ceremony, Cavendish reiterated that he wouldn’t race one other Tour de France, however stated that he can be showing at different occasions later this yr.
“I’ve already stated I received’t do one other Tour de France,” he stated. “That’s public information.”
“I’ve nonetheless received races this yr,” he added. “I’m nonetheless coaching for them, it is going to be very nice to race as a Knight Commander.”
As beforehand reported by Biking Weekly, Cavendish’s last occasions of the 2024 season are the Tour de France Prudential Singapore and Saitama Criteriums which happen subsequent month. The 2 occasions are largely ceremonial in Asia.
No different UCI races are at present on his schedule and his group, Astana Qazaqstan, haven’t but introduced if any extra are more likely to be added to his programme in what is ready to be his last yr within the peloton.
His Singapore and Saitama appearances had been considered his last profession outings, though Cavendish hinted on the latest Tour of Britain Males that there might be different appearances but.
“I’m undoubtedly not completed this yr. I don’t know what occurs after,” he stated.
