Tour of Britain to honour Cavendish in final stage

Sir Mark Cavendish will be the guest of honour at the final stage of the men's Tour of Britain in Felixstowe

One of the greatest cycling sprinters of all time will be honoured when the final stage of the Tour of Britain Men concludes in Suffolk.

Sir Mark Cavendish retired from international cycling this year, but not before breaking the long-standing record for the most Tour de France stage wins, with a total of 35.

The sixth stage of the 2024 Tour of Britain Men will finish in Felixstowe on 8 September, where Sir Mark will watch from the sidelines.

Jon Dutton, chief executive of British Cycling, said: "It is truly special to have him return with his family to celebrate his remarkable career at a race where he has left such a significant mark".

Sir Mark Cavendish wins the final stage of the 2013 Tour of Britain

An Isle of Man native, dubbed the "Manx Missile", Sir Mark also holds the record for stage wins in the Tour of Britain Men, having taken 10 victories in the race between 2007 and 2013.

The 39-year-old also holds a world road race title, three world titles on the track - and an Olympic silver medal, won in Rio in 2016 in the men's omnium.

The race, featuring about 100 riders, starts in Kelso, Roxburghshire, on 3 September, and comprises six stages, with the fifth taking place in Northamptonshire on 7 September.

The final stage will see cyclists race 98.5 miles (158.5km) through Suffolk, beginning in Lowestoft and finishing in Felixstowe, via three intermediate sprints at Beccles, Aldeburgh and Grundisburgh.

The Tour of Britain wended its way through Framlingham in Suffolk in 2023

Sir Mark started his career with the Great Britain Cycling Team Junior Academy programme in 2003.

Organisers say the final stage will be a chance for fans to celebrate Sir Mark’s long career and recognise his incredible achievements.

Mr Dutton added: "Mark is one of the greatest British riders of all time and we’re honoured that he will be joining us for the final stage.

"We have been proud to support Mark from his early days on the Great Britain Cycling Team academy to his final Tour de France.

"His passion for the sport has been a real inspiration to so many, not least the next generation of road and track champions."

The men's race follows the Tour of Britain Women which returned in June, also organised by British Cycling, after it was cancelled in 2023.