Martin Lange / Photo credit: GUILLAUME HORCAJUELO / POOL
The fourth stage of the Tour de France was punctuated by the victory of Belgian Jasper Philipsen in Bayonne. Mark Cavendish finished sixth, without a 35ᵉ success on the big loop for the Briton. But he will have another opportunity today to overtake legend Eddy Merckx.
With 34 stage victories on the Grande Boucle, Mark Cavendish is already the equal of the Cannibal, Eddy Merckx. For his last Tour de France, the power of the Isle of Man dreams of becoming the undisputed number one. On the side of the sprinters, it is already. “I think he’s the king of the sprint of all time. He’s still in very good condition. He won the Giro, the last stage. So he’s someone from afar, special, a professional” , explains Brian Coquard.
Soon a 35ᵉ victory?
Since 2007, Cavendish will win everything. 54 stages on the big tours, the green jersey and even the world championship. With his characteristic powerful style, he has inspired generations, like the Italian Luca Rosato. “When I was little and him, he was already here. At the turn to win the stages. So for me, he really represents an ideal for a sprinter. Personally, I was happy and he is capable of starting the 35ᵉ victory” , testifies with nostalgia the sprinter.
Masato, who will rub shoulders with his idol this afternoon on the Paul Armagnac circuit. And, what better than a racing circuit for an explanation between racing cars?