Mark Cavendish made cycling history on Wednesday, winning a record-breaking 35th stage at the Tour de France. The 39-year-old has now surpassed legendary cyclist Eddy Merckx after winning a chaotic sprint finish at the end of the 177.4 kilometer fifth stage from Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne to Saint-Vulbas.
Breaking Merckx’s record, who last raced in the Tour de France 49 years ago, has seemed almost impossible for any cyclist, even Cavendish. The Astana-Qazaqstan rider was mobbed by fellow riders after the finish line as he celebrated making history, a moment which further underlines his standing as the best sprinter of all time.
