Cavendish hails 'beautiful' moment in Manx lap of honour

Crowds gathered at the Isle of Man’s National Sports Centre for a special homecoming event for Sir Mark Cavendish - with the record-smashing cyclist praising the "beautiful" welcome he received.

The 39-year-old Manx Missile became the most successful stage winner in Tour de France history when he took his 35th victory.

Sir Mark took part in a lap of honour around the raceway at the sports centre, where he began cycling competitively as a child, accompanied by about 100 local children on their bicycles.

Reflecting on the event, he said: "To see so many kids out riding, so many people out with flags and saying ‘well done’ is very, very beautiful."

About 100 children joined in the event at the National Sports Centre

Children were invited to join Sir Mark Cavendish on the lap

The event was held to mark the cyclist’s first return to the island since breaking Eddy Merckx’s record in July.

Hundreds of people lined the raceway with with Manx flags and homemade signs celebrating the athlete's achievements.

People waved Manx flags around the raceway

Sir Mark paused at one moment to give a child a high-five

Sir Mark said the track held "brilliant memories" for him and he wanted the children to join him on the lap because "what makes me happy is seeing people on bikes, seeing kids get this love of cycling".

He continued: "It was beautiful, it was really nice, a wall of noise the whole way round the race circuit and it makes me proud that I get to call this home."

Part of the raceway was decorated to celebrate Sir Mark's achievements

The Manx Missile spent time signing autographs for local fans after the lap

The government has announced plans to rename the raceway in Sir Mark's honour next year, something he said was "special" and a "massive honour".

"Not just myself but so many bike riders over the years long before I rode here have used this as a training ground, as a platform to start what they do," he said.

"And to be able to know it’s not just the place that I started but the place where my name will continue, it’s pretty special and I’m massively honoured for that recognition."

The lap had originally been due to take place on Thursday, but was pushed back by a day because of the wet and windy conditions on the day.