Mark Cavendish fights back tears as he all-but retires after winning little-known Tour de France prize

TEARFUL Mark Cavendish believes his glorious cycling career is over – after finishing the Tour de France with a quirky prize.

The Manx Missile, who has won a record 35 stages in the famous event, sealed his probable retirement with a tender kiss from wife Peta Todd.

Cavendish, 39, appeared overcome with the enormity of the occasion as he crossed the line following the 33.7km last stage from Monaco to Nice.

That’s not because he won the Lanterne Rouge – or Red Lantern – which is a respected award for finishing last in the Tour‘s general classification.

It’s a unique honour – offering rich appearance fees – which some riders actively fight for if they know they will end up near the bottom.

Instead, Cavendish’s reaction was in recognition of the fact his 19 years in the saddle as an all-time great sprinter are surely over.

The three-time World Championship gold medallist said as much afterwards when asked if it was his last race.

Cavendish replied: “Yes, I think so.”

It comes less than three weeks after he ended his three-year wait to overhaul Eddy Merckx’s total of 34 Tour de France stage wins.

Spectators roared the Brit over the line as he earned the Lanterne Rouge.

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Cavendish raised his fist high as he came into the finishing straight.

And after taking the finishing line he leaned from his saddle into long embraces with his Astana-Qazaqstan team-mates.

He appeared to wipe away tears from under his glasses and looked as if he was struggling to take in such a momentous occasion.

Peta held his face for a kiss that looked full of meaning.

She also smiled as she poured water onto a face drenched with sweat and emotion as Cavendish closed his eyes.

Fans hailed his achievements and the Tour de France posted message that spoke for many: “@MarkCavendish completed the #TDF2024. Thanks for everything Mark, you are a LEGEND!”