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Island 'very proud' of Cavendish's achievements

BBC Mark Cavendish smiles at the camera. He is wearing a blue cycling top and a black cap.BBC
Record-breaking cyclist Mark Cavendish bowed out of the sport on Sunday

People on the Isle of Man have been sharing their pride at the achievements of cyclist Mark Cavendish as he retires from the sport after a record-breaking career.

The most successful sprinter in cycling history, the 39-year-old Manx Missile was victorious in his final race at the Tour de France Criterium in Singapore on Sunday.

He became the most successful stage winner in Tour de France history when he took his 35th victory in July, having received a knighthood weeks earlier.

Lucia Shepherd from Douglas said legacy would "live on and on" and people on the island were "so proud" because he was "one of our own".

Lucia Shepherd standing in Strand Street, which is lined with shops, smiling at the camera. She has blonde curly hair and is wearing a red leather jacket.
Lucia Shepherd said the Manx Missile had inspired many young cyclists on the island

Ms Shepherd said: "He’s influenced so many riders, there’s many cyclists on the island and there's a very strong community.

"I think we’re going to have more and more people like him coming from the island," she said.

During his career, Cavendish has also won a silver medal at the Olympics and four gold medals in the World Cycling Championships.

Elliot Kinrade in Strand Street smiling at the camera. He is wearing a teal-coloured hat, a blue and yellow checked shirt and a black t-shirt.
Elliot Kinrade described Sir Mark's impact on the sport as "massive"

Elliot Kinrade, from Douglas, said Cavendish had "earnt everything he achieved".

Praising his impact on the sport on the island, Mr Kinrade said it had been "massive".

"I have a feeling he’ll be the greatest cyclist to come from the Isle of Man," he said.

"He’s a great guy and means a lot to the island."

Janet Wild in Strand Street smiling at the camera. She has blonde hair and is wearing a blue body warmer and beige scarf.
Janet Wild described Cavendish as a "role model" for young cyclists

In August, Sir Mark took part in a lap of honour around the raceway at the island's National Sports Centre, where he began cycling competitively as a child, accompanied by about 100 local children on their bicycles.

Janet Wild from Laxey said it was "fantastic" the cyclist was associated with the island, which was "so lucky to have him".

She said the island was a "great place to train with lots of hills" and Cavendish had been "such a role model" for those aspiring to compete.

"There's lots of young people trying to follow in his footsteps, I’m sure," she added.

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