Mark Cavendish: "You Cannot Believe How Much Cycling Has Changed Since I Started!"

Mark Cavendish is one of the greatest cyclists to grace this sport, and 2023 was supposed to be his swansong season in the pro peloton. After his crash at the Tour de France, Cav decided to take on one more season in 2024! How much has cycling changed since his first? GCN sit down with him at the UAE Tour!
Welcome 0:00
How does it feel in the Peloton 20 after turning pro? 0:58
How much has cycling changed? 1:22
Is it really the last season? 3:33
Will Cav ride the Giro? 4:44
Any regrets? 5:51
Best lead-out rider Cavendish ever had? 6:56
Biggest rival? 7:52
Best advice Cavendish ever received? 8:51
Did Cav ever imagine returning to the Tour de France? 10:52
What did Sagan say about Cav? 11:57
What does Cav say about Sagan? 13:09
Forgiving Sagan? 13:57
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[@gcnracing]

Will Cav take a record win at the Tour de France? 🤔

[@arcoulant87]

Oui!

[@dk4366]

Of course. Its his destiny.

[@tonybaihao4178]

@@dk4366 I don't know if you can call it destiny, but he can absolutely achieve it.

[@santiagobenites]

Yes!

[@pompeymonkey3271]

He'll bloody well try to! 🤩

[@simonstucki]

"if I don't win, somebody else won they deserve to win, so that's sport, that's cycling" beautifully said and it felt like he really meant it. he seems like such a nice, genuine person! good luck for the season and especially the tdf!

[@_Inferis]

I like how he actually thinks about the questions being asked and not just giving an obvious response.

[@PaintMixa]

yes, ive noticed this too in all his interviews. he is very composed and takes time to give an honest answer

[@alvaroneto6893]

There's nothing I want to see in cycling this year more than Cav winning another stage of the Tour. The man deserves it like no one else has. You go, Cav! Cheers from Brasil.

[@normal_norm2627]

I'm pulling for you Cav. Lot's of respect from the USA since day 1.

[@rbonn3880]

Class act all the way...and the Sagan clip with Cav's reaction absolutely priceless.

[@paulobrutus8683]

Beautiful to c how Sagan’s words touched him! True legends Beautiful interview 🙌🏽🫡

[@biketrybe7071]

Cav is always honest and open. The man has no guile.

[@gcnracing]

It's a joy to watch isn't it!

[@TheGotoGeek]

Except in the sprint. Plenty of guile there.

[@darrylperry6029]

Love the man because he wears his heart on his sleeve and never says quit even through the most difficult moments in his career and life. 👍

[@tonybaihao4178]

I don't think I've ever seen our beloved Manx Missile being that patient and well thought out in his words ! I will dearly miss him, but am also highly grateful for his illustrious career. Getting that 35th Tour de France stage win doesn't even matter, as he's already proven his worth years ago.

[@lindapilkington2687]

Love Cav. Totally honest and the best sprinter ever!

[@robertbonnette1253]

What a great interview. A humble man. Go and get your win at TDF 2024.

[@colinalasdair2442]

If he wins a tour stage this year I will absolutely lose my mind. I have so much respect for him that it would be magical to witness!!

[@chrismadge7292]

Great interview, really good. Sagan summed up why Cav is a Champion, the longevity of his career and the continued desire to keep winning.

[@Simonewhitesim-1music]

Peter Dropped some Vibes In Italian very deep Vibes coming off him. Both are Very passionate riders, and beautiful.

[@coachg4810]

This is brilliant, I love this guy, have been so lucky to see him in the flesh a few times, he has given me so many happy memories in the sport. I'm also cuffed my boys got to see him last year in the Giro, and he gave them a thumbs up as he rode by, as they shouted CAV, CAV, CAV at the top of their voices! 😅

[@phoenixinthetrees1446]

Never the most articulate rider in the world, Cav is still always interesting to listen to, expressing himself just as much through characteristic gesticulations as with words. I've followed his career from the start, so always want him to win. Best of luck to him this season, whatever he does.

[@HkFinn83]

Oh I disagree. As a British English speaker i think he’s among the more articulate English speaking riders. He has an accent, and he speaks in his own voice more than other riders who develop the politician way of talking without saying anything. Always enjoy hearing from Cav.

[@goslingmarcus]

Such a great character, fantastic career and I hope he takes the record.

[@samj1185]

Go Cav!!

[@emersonVZLA]

That was amazing to see what Peter Sagan had said about him and Mark’s response. Two of the all-time greatest sprinters right there.

[@seamusweber8298]

They're different though. Sagan is a phenomenal all round cyclist. One day races, stage races, he's a contender throughout. Mark is a phenomenal sprinter. He doesn't possess the all round ability of Sagan. And that's not a criticism of Mark by the way. Mark is probably the best sprinter ever in the sport.

[@emanueleguadagni345]

What a nice guy he is. Absolute legend

[@Sabrewatch1]

Come on, Cav , one more win. We are all with you. Be safe and make history.

[@francishill6365]

An incredible and humble man what an interview, thank you for sharing.

[@gcnracing]

Our pleasure!

[@irunoffroad]

Chapeau to Cav and the film makers

[@HiPass24]

It makes me happy to see Cav so level headed about retirement. Some stars just don't know when to quit and keep chasing their old form and more wins that it becomes pathetic. Cav on the other hand sounds like he put much thought into it and is happy with his achieves. For me he is the only 'old pro' that should keep racing until he gets that last win! Thank you for the good times!

[@DC-uf6ve]

I'd bloody love it if he got that win. Been watching his whole career and he is by far my favourite rider. Come on Cav son!

[@melissaflick9041]

Cav, your maturity is inspiring. I have so many exciting memories of you winning and crashing and almost winning and wash and rinse and repeat! My favorite is from a race I only read about: the GB National Championship that you won without your team at the end. Getting dropped and coming back solo - not just once but twice! Of course they had to drop you - you’re the fastest man in GB! I was so proud of you when you took that jersey! And then to be left of the TDF team?!?!? You are great to focus on what you can control, and forgive those who forgot who you are. Of course you’ll find a way to win at least one stage this summer. Your last Tour before you move on to the even bigger challenge of a life long marriage and full time family life. God bless you, every one!

[@Garybaxter1]

I have followed marks cycling career for many years....always comes over as a very nice chap! with a lovely family...... you are a "legend" sir!

[@santiagobenites]

That was a great interview! Nicely done, GCN 👍

[@gcnracing]

Glad you enjoyed it! We certainly did

[@obiseankenobi2056]

cool how the rare interview actually makes you wanna go ride your bike. thanks Cav.

[@arcoulant87]

He's the man chapeau Cav.

[@larryvaught3053]

BY FAR... One of the VERY BEST GCN VIDEOS l have Ever Seen!! Alan was Brilliant and Mark was well, he was MARK. Obviously one of the best Cycling Personalities of all time! I've always liked the fact that he is such a Family man. I want to wish him all the very best in this years TDF. I want Mark Cavendish to hold the record that will Never Be Broken! Again GCN, thank you for a Special Interview. You guy are the Best!! ❤😎

[@kjaime7030]

I am definitely rooting for him, as I have been the last few years. It's quite clear how REAL he was being in this interview, and that in itself is quite touching and admirable. What an amazing man. I'm sure his kids are going to grow up to be exemplary individuals, no matter what they end up doing.

[@johnstrac]

Excellent interview, I could listen to Cav all day.

[@davemellor4697]

Cav is the ultimate professional...He is very emotional and honest,to have the drive and desire to win at his age is phenomenal. One thing he said was so true Marcel Kittle was an animal but he got out just at the right time,because he knew he would be beaten had he carried on.

[@nashgawri4869]

Every time I hear Mark speak , my respect for him grows. He is a wonderful human being. I would love to see him win one more stage of Tour De France, it would be fitting end to a fantastic racing career Go Cav!!!🤞🤞

[@texleeger8973]

Wow. Tour de force interview. Memorable indeed.

[@songofyesterday]

It is just gutting him to quit 😂. I can hear it in his voice. Watched the Netflix documentary on Mark. He loves racing so much. Cycling is freedom to him, it is him. Had a mid life crisis, came back, won some more. Family has been waiting for a while though, it’s time he’s in dad mode more often. 🎉

[@DoNuT_1985]

Such a reflective and humble man, I really hope he gets his 35th Tour stage, fingers crossed and sure watching at least every stage's highlight for it.

[@Macca8884.5]

What a great interview, and such a great bloke 👏

[@roadbikesheldon]

what a great interview.

[@petefarrell234]

What a legend. Let’s go. Hoping he gets it done this year😊

[@marvmininger1835]

Huge fan of Cav! What an excellent interview.

[@kristinditlevsen6693]

Love this guy. The excitement and levity he brings to the sport makes it so much better. Same with Sagan. They changed the mood of the sport for the better.

[@ifyourethere]

What a great interview

[@Ghazal211]

Love his honest and straight forward style. I will be rooting for him.

[@toddcrowdis2650]

Best of luck this season and hope you have the season of your life

[@edjack1993]

Great interview.

[@CT-vl3iu]

....one of the greatest ever...let's hope he could break all records in this season..TDF..hope he will be there

[@richardmason6640]

he's a good lad Mark. I am a grown man and i have his picture on the wall of my bike room like i was a little kid. Athletically he is gold, a family man a diamond. hope he achieves his goal or achieves satisfaction of knowing that he put everything into the effort. That's what makes him a hero.

[@kaltonian]

yeah nice one mark.....Peter is a champion & I would also be stoked receiving a comment like that, well I wish you all the best this season

[@cb6866]

Thank you for that , very cool to see his reaction to Sagan ! Be well , eh ?

[@Johnwis-gp9yy]

What a nice guy. Wish him all the best!

[@derickcastillo9083]

What a great interview! Thank you!

[@gcnracing]

Our pleasure!

[@alanmarangoni1739]

😉👌

[@flaviobbq]

Special interview!

[@mikegallagher521]

Good interview. Cav is great. Good questions.

[@jodaefauser2911]

Love and appreciation to a phantastic guy and great Champion Mark Cavendish from Germany 👌👌❤❤💙💙❤❤💙💙👌👌

[@steve24550]

Go Cav !! We're all backing you ! ❤️❤️❤️

[@merckxy54]

Cav has been a great rider and continues to be. He will win that stage at the tour and the whole world of cycling will rejoice and lets hope Eddy is there to see it happen!!!!!! Great interview, Mark really has his heart in cycling!

[@andylarham5251]

We are rooting for you in this year's pursuit of the 35th win, but regardless you are a showman so you will never disapoint me , win or not. Go Cav, Go 👍❤

[@deputyfk]

Momma it is okay to let your kids grow up and be like Cav! Though we only know him from the outside and in cycling, we all can learn a lot from the man and the athlete!!

[@stephentayles3229]

Great questions. Great answers.

[@alanmarangoni1739]

👍🏻

[@melissaflick9041]

Marcocito has become The Mann. It’s been good to watch. 💪🏼🙏🏼🙌🏼

[@psycholist4170]

always thought good things about Cav and Peter! the mutual respect here was a delight to see!

[@walcottav]

Beautiful interview, well done. Big Cav cheering section from this one household in the USA.

[@alanmarangoni1739]

❤

[@FGIRAFFE]

Now that's a champion!

[@starblazers01]

Big Thumbs Up 👍👍👍

[@melaniamonicacraciun9900]

Keep up champs, keep enjoy pushing pedals & enjoy the adventures of cycling competitions out there because...fans love youuuuu guys, you are not alone, cycling makes life worth living ❤🎉❤

[@mohawkin]

Go for the record-you’re too close to not! Best of success Cav!

[@choddo]

One in a million ❤

[@DarenC]

Probably my favourite rider. Even back in the day when people said he was a bit of a duck, I loved him. CVNDSH - FST AS FKC. Always

[@abominablesnowman3494]

His entire career he would win and people would pick it apart like he was handed it, and then when he didn't win for a while it was "all over" for him. Even now you can see it in the comments..I hope he shuts em up, one more time

[@stevemawer848]

I lost count of the number of times people wrote him off and he 'd just come back and keep winning! Great interview (not long enough, though!) and no annoying and unnecessary background "music" - video team take note!

[@eughrologh]

Amazing to hear Sagan still in Bora colours saying he didn't have the energy to continue - before he did his 2 seasons at TotalEnergy. Would love to have seen his dream of an MTB comeback work out.

[@djfler]

I love this man. Sad that his regret was trusting in the past.

[@paulsolon6229]

Good for him: he looks in shape

[@alvarochan1829]

One more win, let's go!!!!!

[@TwoTroutCreations]

Mad respect.

[@askherbs]

I’m such a fan that I’ve purchased the Oakley Jawbreaker CVNDSH Edition. You go Manx Missile! Give us ONE MORE!

[@juanafabian2873]

Go for it!

[@carlogottardo2807]

Amazing Cav. Legend

[@filippopogacar]

Alan good job 😊

[@thomasullmann7447]

I didn't realise what a nice guy he is, spin on!

[@lars1588]

He's been racing professionally longer than I've been alive... wow.

[@chrisdunderdale]

Go on Cav!

[@filippopogacar]

Cav is the man 🎉

[@paulsolon6229]

He’s well spoken.

[@italianbirdvideos6190]

Class act there.

[@MarioDeFeliceNetworkEngineer]

Grande Maranga!

[@adamc2579]

Love Cav!

[@samj1185]

Hate him if you want but it sure seems like he's matured. Hope he gets a good chance to break the tour win record. Go Cav!

[@marcdaniels9079]

5 kids 😮 !!!!!!!!!! Chapeau

[@drewcama2488]

Marco Cavendish will make history again this year!

[@paulmcintyre7630]

Top man

[@claire2088]

[@andrewrivera4029]

“All glory is fleeting”…

[@royfinch8644]

"You cannot Imagine"!

[@socopower]

Let the guy win his Tour stage, and have a happy life after that please!

[@sosotsuliashvili]

Mark Cavendish Beste !

[@user-nt8dy4xw9r]

It’s about time for Cavendish to rewrite Tour history. Never crash and have a win!!

[@letsdanceoo]

The Manx Missle rules.

[@honestreviewer3283]

I love this guy. He what we Canadians call a "digger" (I think that's maybe a WW1 reference, but I'm not sure). As he mentions, the advent of power meters has completely transformed cycling. I had a coach who used to send us on nine-hour LSD rides, which by today's data-informed standards are an absolute waste of time (unless you really enjoy sightseeing). If you haven't seen "Mark Cavendish: Never Enough," watch it!

[@marcdaniels9079]

Not sure where you get the idea that 9 hour LSD ( now known as Z2 ) rides are a waste of time! Look at the pros’ Stravas in the off season. I specifically remember a couple of years ago seeing G and Ineos circumnavigating Majorca and his average HR was 108. It’s actually clearer than ever from all the scientific research that these rides illicit adaptations that are not possible otherwise and form a great base for building in intensity.

[@honestreviewer3283]

@@marcdaniels9079 Okay, maybe not an absolute waste of time, but I think all they're really good for is building "in the saddle" endurance, so a five- or six-hour road race seems pretty easy by comparison because you're used to being on the bike longer. But all the high-intensity workouts that really make the difference between winning and losing a road race (the power to break away, to close a gap, etc.) can be condensed into much shorter, much more focused efforts thanks to power meters.

[@hornetluca]

How long does Cav has those tan marks? I'm having them for almost two years now.

[@stevemawer848]

Wear them with pride! 🙂