This is Why Mark Cavendish is the GOAT Sprinter │ Short Documentary

The original plan was to make a long documentary recapping his whole career mixing storytelling with technical analysis, but that's now impossible for me to do. I hope you like this short documentary. I worked on it for 2 months (research, writing, editing...), and thanks to my friend Chris for the great voice over.
Writing & Editing:
B. Hamza
Voice Over:
Christopher Harvey
Music:
EpidemicSound: share.epidemicsound.com/60gwd5
All materials in these videos are used for educational purposes and fall within the guidelines of fair use. No copyright infringement intended. If you are or represent the copyright owner of materials used in this video and have a problem with the use of said material, please send me an email, [e-mail], and we can sort it out.

[@RIFIANBOY]

Thanks for watching, If you enjoyed this video, please give it a Like, Subscribe, and Share it your friends to support me. Making this type of documentary takes a lot of time, 2 months for this one in particular (between research, script writing, graphic design, sound design and editing in general) and thanks to my friend Chris who did this fantastic voice over. I've already lost most of my videos, but that won't stop me from making new ones. Stay tuned for more. Mark Cavendish was the reason I fell in love with cycling a decade ago, which rider hooked you into cycling? Would love to hear your answers.

[@darksoldier7917]

Me hooked to cycling André Greipel, but Cav's comeback is biggest motivation to do, watch and love cycling forever❤❤

[@hectic3]

Your documentaries are top notch and it's an absolute pity that your videos have been struck down. Thanks again for your time and effort - it is truly appreciated.

[@davecarter1047]

Mate Im a brit, so I always get a buzz when there's a British rider in with a shot at the win, having said that, when cav go's for the sprint I can't sit down on the sofa, I'm right in front of the telly cheering, did ya see the tour of Oman stage 2 sprint, oh my days that was a epic sprint. Still love your vids, keep em coming shame that they are disapearing

[@arca3222]

Petr Ugrumov and Migel Indurain , Bjarne Riß, Lance, From now they are not first eshelon Riders but second eshelon, who can win, like Sagan , Skujins, Mollema, Zabel, Morkøw

[@lucenagaray9979]

D

[@johnmofBristol3623]

He is a tough guy in a very tough sport. How they keep coming back from their injuries and Mark in particular is amazing.

[@KermitOfWar]

Coke, peds, roids, etc etc... No way are these guys "natural". Hell, Lance Armstrong even said so himself, that 70% of pros are on the "juice".

[@lyssanch3096]

@@KermitOfWar what about the other 30%? They just dont win?

[@croww6257]

@@lyssanch3096 correct

[@quadzilla2665]

@@KermitOfWar in his era*

[@nickverschoore4351]

@Harry Baals back in the days ye sure, now however I highly doubt it. Haters gonna hate

[@samuelfawdry6411]

first race I've seen on TV was the Tour de France in 2008 seeing Cav win 4 stages and I was hooked on cycling

[@genegade]

Same. I've been racing bikes ever since

[@cccycling5835]

I learned how to sprint from watching Cavendish. Been dominating my local Strava sprint segments because of this.

[@2Calam]

Link them up mate, we need to have a crack now haha.

[@pokiblue5870]

its time for you to step up with the big league against the world !

[@ferdtheterd3897]

Its the sideways tilting that does it eh. Im surprised not all bikers do this, I just have a mountain bike to ride around town and I do. But most of these guys are like rich guys who buy cars. They like it but cant drive for shit

[@markhill9275]

Yu want to learn how to sprint, go race the track, thats where Cav learned, that's where you will really learn, until you do , well.....

[@boobooman9365]

​@@ferdtheterd3897 fr man riding a mtb on that speed is like dragging a tank.

[@yomaru_1999]

This could be the best documentry in 15 minutes. So complete, informative and emotionally powerful. I wish I can see more documentary like this.

[@thevintagehifiambassador8524]

yep

[@vetoland92]

Some of my earliest TDF memories are watching Cav destroy sprints with HTC-Columbia back in the day. Been a joy to watch.

[@cuckooreloaded]

I miss Renshaw backing up Cavendish back in '09

[@nnel385]

Glorious days

[@ChristianNorling]

This opened up my eyes on how I'm seeing cycling now, so much strategy and decisions. Even more impressed of these men now 💪🏻

[@RIFIANBOY]

great :D

[@werdsmyth]

I was stewarding at a World Track Champs a few years ago and Cav was in the GB team. Was amazing to watch Cav watching the races. He was basically commentating to the guys around him on what he thought was going to happen, who was struggling, who was strong, what this move would mean in 5 laps time, how the end would probably pan out, etc. He was 100% correct all the time...like he could see the future. I'd imagine he does exactly the same through every km of a stage race.

[@brianwright9514]

Check out a channel called NorCal Cycling if you want an education on cycling strategy and tactics.

[@TimpBizkit]

@@werdsmyth I wonder how much he wins at the bookies.

[@justsadluck7697]

read the manga Wind Breaker

[@cornishalps9870]

The ending of this video was very well delivered! Quite emotional, cav has been an inspirations for eons

[@richardharris8538]

I've long thought that sprinters are another species. This marvelous video takes my respect for them, and Cav in particular, to another level.

[@somedude9286]

A short guy at the top, just what I needed for some motivation

[@kungfumantis97]

I can barely ride a bicycle, but I wouldn't even imagine riding a bicycle so fast like this guy. That's just unreal.

[@bingsmillares4146]

Yeah his fastest sprint 80kph thats so fast

[@ferdtheterd3897]

I love going downhill with no hands on my bike. If you wanna go fast tilt the bike to the left when you push your right foot down, and vice versa.

[@TimpBizkit]

I've done 47 mph, with the aid of a hill and an electric motor. I was kind of reaching the limits of gearing though. Also it's not the most aerodynamic of bikes - a Scott Voltage (aptly names) MX3 with Schwalbe Marathon tyres.

[@lukamarko978]

But you are a kung-fu mantis ...all kung-fu mantis can do it ...

[@chaytonhurlow840]

@@TimpBizkit how many watts is your electric motor?

[@jamesf8864]

Another superb Cav video from you 👏 He is certainly gifted, and it's fantastic to see him in such strong form at this stage in his life ❤️🇬🇧🇮🇲

[@shelley_snail6908]

I came across you unexpectedly. This is one of the most informative and truthful docs about cycling that I have watched in a long time. You’ve distilled 20 years of my own cycling knowledge and experience in about 15 minutes. Props to this channel. Keep going.

[@RIFIANBOY]

Thank you Shelley :)

[@kovar2344]

rip Paul. Miss him every time i hear his voice.

[@immanuelsky4982]

He is like an assassin in that last 400, suddenly he striked and he really slayed it

[@sateshmahadeo4366]

Absolutely loved this short documentary. Cav started riding in the Tour the same time I really started paying attention to cycling. Watching his many victories over these years has been exhilarating.

[@ryancraig999]

Wow great content here! Almost brought tears to my eyes as I consider myself a sprinter and this just gave me so much more motivation to train harder for this season 🤙

[@cleorider]

Inspiration and motivation that sums up Cavendish! 💪🏽🇧🇷

[@JoseCycling]

Awesome documentary RIFIANBOY! 👊🔥

[@RIFIANBOY]

Thanks Jose

[@avinmathew166]

It shows the difference between Sagan and Cavendish. Sprint techniques explained with good picturaisation. Another exquisite piece of art from Rifianboy. Keep it up bro.

[@RIFIANBOY]

Thank you for the support

[@Siduch.]

Sagan is best of all time. Even if he only has 1/3 the TDF stage wins, he is the only person to EVER have a 3-pete in the world championships, and he has the most green jerseys of all time, 7! In his prime, he was better than Mark in his prime. However, I think it’s like the comparison between MJ and Lebron, in which Cavendish is like Lebron. He had incredible longevity; Sagan is the best to ever do it, but coming in second of all time is cavendish while being able to do it for way longer (him and Sagan are both retiring this year, but Sagan is 33 and Mark is 38).

[@Heibergg]

He is so fearless.. I dont always like it when others are pulled down.. But he is really one of a kind!

[@yibozhao1012]

yeah, but i assume the TT riders on Isle of Man, where he grew up, are much more fearless :D

[@amazingusername8925]

@@yibozhao1012 Exactly! Being fearless when you are doing 190 mph on a bike on public roads is essential. When you are going at 25 mph there isn't much to be afraid of!

[@Neale78]

Mark has almost hit 50 mph whilst sprinting and riders can descend between 60 - 80 mph on particular stages, riding sub 20lb bikes with 23mm tyres, lycra, fingerless gloves, glasses and sketchy helmets. They're also clipped in. Utilise some common sense 😂

[@bill3837]

Yeah I just saw his Netflix documentary to really follow sports too much and even less so cycling. But I was totally amazed by his determination. It was inspiring. Thank you for sharing

[@ManxAndy]

Being a Manxman….and a Cavendish fan, I think his dedication to scrutinising every single aspect of every stage he competes on is extraordinary, he can talk the stage through before he has ridden it, every detail…..the missile hasn’t finished firing for the line just yet….👍🇮🇲💪

[@sevans606]

What flag is that?

[@islaburchell-gray3048]

@@sevans606isle of man

[@Steve-up4jq]

12:59 that guy in yellow green just jumped above the guy who crashed. Sick!

[@danielbotev6365]

Amazing production value on this video. So much packed into 15 minutes.

[@IansonKing]

Thank you for this! Cav is my favourite sprinter of all time and my inspiration to becoming a budding sprinter myself. Big ups to you!

[@RIFIANBOY]

Thanks Ianson

[@roddas26]

I like how you quickly brushed over how "dirty" of a rider he is. He is most definitely one of the greats.

[@brianwright9514]

All the best sprinters are. You can't win bunch sprints without being willing to push limits and take every advantage. Sometimes that looks dirty

[@kc3718]

@@brianwright9514 anyone recall Djmollidian Abdujaparoph ( can't spell) jeez he makes Cav look like an angel !

[@kc3718]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/aH_XZatpo9qtnLM

[@bsimz008]

Thank you for this video! Super inspiring, not only to cycling, but life in general! Champions mindset! 💪💪💪 I need a dose of this every morning like coffee

[@4lpyth0n]

Mark, you inspire me. I too am a sprinter, but not as fast & bolt as you. One day i’ll acheive that maximum power.

[@hambunheng1653]

Amazing video. Love all of them. Such a masterpiece of work.

[@chrishansen2409]

I hope he gets 35 this summer, he deserves it. How could anybody hate this man

[@Mr-kn6uk]

I do.

[@dimetracooper4183]

I thought they said he’s not riding the Tour de France 🇫🇷 I think so wrong if they don’t let him ride the tour….

[@briantitchener4829]

@@Mr-kn6uk 2% is all your comment is worth.

[@Mr-kn6uk]

@@briantitchener4829 HAHAHA!! So funny but not as funny as your name, titchener by name titchener by natue eh.....? pass ya on the road one day "titchener" skins win

[@sevendeadlysinsfan3600]

@@briantitchener4829 mad

[@alinapopescu872]

These short documentaries are really, really good! Thank you for the hard work!

[@casualuserish]

Downright impressive, you go Cav!

[@rubenlabay3615]

I saw Mark in Tour of Qatar....i remember the plastic water bottle he thrown beside me that day. At the end of the tour i also saw one of my favorite, Fabian Cancelara

[@fredferd2649]

It's a disgrace that he is not in this years (2022) Tour!

[@ralph007silver]

Political decision ? He would have overtaken Merckx

[@leehargreaves7473]

There were very few true sprint stages this year. The route focused on climbing finishes. No guarantee Cav would have made the cut-off.

[@naturesoundsasmr4800]

this video gave me mad chills and damn near made me tear up well done mate

[@NHHUNTNH]

This was far less boring than I thought it would be! Never knew there was so much strategy that went into this, amazing!

[@GeordieAmanda]

One thing great sprinters in all sports have is self belief and it does often come across as arrogance, even if the sprinter is simply being honest. But one of the things that makes Cav out for me, is his passion. He seems to care more about winning and his beloved 'tour', than any other sportsman or sportswoman has ever cared for their specific apex championship. Bolt seemed arrogant, but never displayed the sheer will to win and personal commitment (passion, mainly) that Cav shows. He wears his heart on his sleeve and I love him for it. Personally I think he should be considered an equal to sprinters of the calibre of Bolt, Owen, Lewis etc :)

[@tamlaylovestokwa]

He's so good imagine he still could calculate very critical points to have his techniques executed perfectly even near the finish line

[@danielwaduka5740]

Wow! What a great inspiring story of a true legend. Thanks for sharing. This is a summary of some success lessons I have learned from Mark Cavendish: 1. Never give up although sometimes you will feel like doing do. 2. Aim at being the best in whatever your gifting, calling or purpose. 3. Believe in yourself. No one will do it for you better than yourself. 4. Learn to embrace failure as part of the success journey. Rise up after failure. 5. Have a great focus towards our goals. When you set a goal, go for it, full force.

[@ClassSickCustom]

Great documentary. A veritable masterclass on sprinting.

[@helio_afonso]

Amazing video as always! Thanks.

[@RIFIANBOY]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@Ernie_page]

Awesome documentary. You deserved 1 million subs .

[@RIFIANBOY]

Thank you so much 😀maybe one day.

[@yonassbhatu8]

Absolute sprinter. He’s definitely my favourite sprinter.

[@michaelsantiago7548]

thank you for making this vid!!!!!! greatly appreciated.

[@edwardwong654]

That is an incredibly focused mind, besides his amazing physical traits. I am a big fan of Mark Cavendish. Thank you for your contributions to the Tour and the sport of cycling.

[@nathanyu9134]

Robbie McEwen : He's got pretty short legs and short little arms Mark Cavendish : 175 cm

[@JohnDoe-zj6xf]

Robbie McEwen is 171cm

[@CavenInToTheWorld]

And im 170cm. So i can take on cavendish since we both share the same name? 🤣😂 In my dreams. Hahaha. Just an autograph from him is enough for me.

[@bocagelandscape]

*Peter Dinklage proceeds to limber up*

[@rogereheadbyrne4790]

What an icon! What a human!! What an inspiration!!!

[@hupra72]

We kind of took him for granted when he was smoking other sprinters, then thought he was done himself. However, the plutonium rods in those nuclear powered legs of his are still generating full wattage. What a comeback in 2021. Another fantastic video.

[@levitezoe1804]

I appreciate this sport much more now it's way more complex then cld ever imagine this video officially has made me a fan

[@aju2083]

He earns It !

[@aiarta2280]

It is worth it man. It takes time getting used to, so many riders, teams, countries, stories, narratives. But as a guy who watches oh so many sports... cycling is just the most beautiful. It has so much depth to it. Historically, tactically, differences in stages, differences in riders´ ability and personality, the suffering and sacrificing for others and even the physicality of it. The injuries oh the injuries. Injuries that only slow these maniacs down. Yes, it can be boring. But as the parcours... it has ups and downs. In speed and importance. It really is a story within a story within a... you catch my drift. Its not for everyone but if it is...

[@andrewbell7579]

That was epic mate, fantastic story telling.

[@Klaevin]

9:50 I love how "catching a breath" still means pedaling faster than I could ever go downhill

[@xloafe4240]

Records that Cavendish broke like the most stage win in Tour De France (34) broke the Record of Eddy Merckx the Greatest cyclist of all time, making him the fastest and the greatest sprinter in cycling History

[@GeordieAmanda]

I think Cav shares the Le Tour wins with the great Eddie Merckx. He does have the most sprint wins in it though. I pray he goes to the Tour this year and gets at least one more win. Then he can retire at the end of 2022 as the tour's greatest stage winner :)

[@Know-Expert]

You did a fantastic job with this video! I’m no cyclist but I watched from beginning to end…. Well done!

[@TinyMexicanZ]

I haven’t been able to look at competitive biking in this light before. Eye opening for sure

[@squash9189]

This is unlike any documentaries I have ever seen. Watching a video like this is like watching a full movie in the theater!

[@lsupreme]

He´s not fast, he is making the world spin 🤣

[@jonathanheuvel7289]

good to see another vid from you!

[@RIFIANBOY]

thanks Jonathan

[@VuHoangNam3011]

Came through this video randomly, decided to give it a try and the rest is the best 15 minutes of documentary I've ever watched, without pausing. Nice video man!!!

[@RIFIANBOY]

Thank you sir 🙏

[@bikerpeavey]

That was fantastic I really enjoyed it . Mark is a real hero of mine. Subscribed.

[@zeekmx1970]

I can see his tight straight line surgical precision movements with my own eyes. I had no idea I was peddling in the peddle strokes of the goat sprinter.

[@mightymidget88]

Amazing documentary, made me feel quite emotional, really hit a cord. Thank you ;-)

[@summerw5962]

Fantastic video. Someone from his team should have watched it and made the smart choice to take him to Tour de France. In still gutted that he isn't there. I was so excited to watch him break the record. Cav is so much fun to watch.

[@prathameshgupta3662]

This is soo epic breakdown of his career and his style of racing

[@Blackice850]

Excellent chronicalized recap, including science breakdown. Cav was crashing so much, I almost forgot he had that virus. What's amazing is how he's sustained that snap and longevity over the course of his career, which is hard to do as a pure sprinter.

[@clayvianwilliams6125]

The darkest day was seeing cav crying at the end of ghent wevelgem 2020.

[@RIFIANBOY]

Same, it was heartbreaking.

[@Lalagartitita]

Love your videos man. Thanks a lot for making them.

[@user-nt8dy4xw9r]

Didn’t know this legend is still running. Glad he’s back in full force.

[@C7x_RN]

The Benefits of Being a Short person.

[@bobbys7330]

I had this discussion with my biomechanics professor at the University of Utah years ago and his thoughts were geared towards complete aerodynamics. He said Cavendish gets lower than anybody.

[@gdgd5194]

Yeah bro, none of the other thousands of pros think to just get lower. Maybe they dont have Internet :( He's getting down those peds lol.

[@andreysilva8418]

@@gdgd5194peds dont really matter in the end. Everyone is using something, so its almost as if they are in the same ground in the end, as if they were natural

[@ferdtheterd3897]

@@gdgd5194 Just look at how he moves his bike compared to the others. He tilts it side to side to give his legs more leverage while pushing down. Its really ez go try it on your bike.

[@gdgd5194]

@@ferdtheterd3897 My point exactly, if it's easy other pros are aware of it too.

[@reginaldbaticulon4856]

You make amazing documentary style videos, absolute quality. I hope you become successful doing this.

[@bibanbanh9738]

mark cavendish shortness is perfect for him

[@SpeedDemonExpress]

He's 5'9" they act like he's some tiny person too short to ride all the rides at the theme park or something.

[@tellmethis6836]

Loooool. I was looking for this comment haha.

[@Mockle07]

I’m a bit late to the part but I was thinking this! 😂

[@bartvandeneeckhaut2565]

Gosh darn it, that ending gave me goosebumps. Really hope they'll let him ride the tour. Even though they'll probably go for Jakobsen

[@MarvinWestmaas]

As a Dutch guy I should be rooting for Jacobsen.... but he can wait another year, give Cav the opportunity to get the record stage wins he frigin earned it.

[@lmccism]

Brilliant - thank you. Absolutely loved this video. Fantastic!

[@AliZurix]

this video took me on an emotional trip. well done!

[@ellyabwao5107]

Damn ...that one hell of a rider🔥🔥

[@AchrafAmesguine]

11:17 the most epic scene

[@tobiaswinstanley2994]

Anyone know what race and who got to eat the shit sandwich for celebrating too early?

[@SuperDiddzz]

Thank you. This man is Legend!

[@Calzuhgg]

This video was fantastic. Normally I lack concentration to fully watch videos, but this grabbed my attention all throughout.

[@jubynherloibonavente.offic1126]

One Piece fans be like: CABBAGE!!!

[@kingj521]

😂Damn right

[@arzosahsothy]

me: "yay short people are good at something!" also me, 5'4"after googling that he's 5'9": "fuck" yea. short.

[@nunyabizness690]

Try powerlifting

[@Altimis]

The moment Mark Cavendish get the win in Tour de France record equally to Eddy Merck. I don't know why I shred the tear. It's fantastic moment. You probably not see that anymore in the (my entire) life.

[@mikael6062]

This is great. Cav is legend. Rooting for 35 🤞

[@ViveSemelBeneVivere]

Yaaaay there's hope for us shorter cyclists! 😁🥇When Cavandish saw this in KZbin he probably uttered "Damn it they've decrypted the secret to my sprintability!"

[@yonglingng5640]

One LBS mechanic I know of is about as small as I am (I'm 1.65 m) and his sprint form is good too. My riding type is sprint-biased too, simply because I want to know how fast I can go and how much faster I can logically get.

[@JohnDoe-zj6xf]

He's 175cm

[@drellsgaming1281]

80km/h!!?😳 The heck!!

[@CanonFirefly]

It must feel amazing to be able to explode like that and accelerate past opponents. What a freak.

[@Vegathlete]

Great analysis! Summing up this missile’s efficiency and brilliance makes him even more fascinating.

[@johngulino2651]

It’s fascinating when one realizes that Mark C. is sprinting and winning against riders who are moving very, very, VERY fast. And who are also quite capable of sprinting in the finish. 😀

[@jonathansanchez1305]

Just imagine how fast he would be if he could keep the wheels straight!

[@mystery1521]

Lol

[@uhnimates]

wont he be slower then? since its natural for the bike to move that way when youre pedalling that hard no? I mean when i pedal hard even on a fixed gear, I cant really keep the wheels straight specially with a foot retention, id guess the same can be said for him since he's clipped in.

[@jonathansanchez1305]

@@uhnimates there may be a trade off in knee longevity with clipless but if the wheels are skidding back and forth that creates drag and if he is zig-zagging then he is increasing the distance he needs to travel. I understand that he gains from the power but there are these inefficiencies so there is room for improvement. If perfect is "not" possible than the next step down will still be an improvement.

[@graywizz]

So your saying your better than cav? lol

[@graywizz]

Don't teach a GOAT

[@SimonFoxon3377]

This documentary on mark "" watching it has brought a tear to my eye " I love watching him and wish he doesn't retire and trys again for 2024 " fingers crossed.

[@OtesOtesOtes]

All I learned from this vid is that 5'9" is short

[@spellfoxx72]

UCI gonna ban the Super Aero Position cause it has the word "Super" in it. 😂

[@RIFIANBOY]

I wouldn’t be surprised if they did 😆

[@filip000]

I don't underestimate his achievements as they're incredible, but for me personally, Sagan will always be my favorite.

[@R1davies]

Sagan has a personality that makes him more appealing to the masses; I think if they had the same agent more people would know about Mark Cavendish

[@maximilianmin1786]

@@R1davies well, Mark is also a dick lol, and Peter isn’t

[@ohihassan693]

Keeping a calm mind seems the key to almost everything.

[@dalewyatt1321]

Thanks Mark, you have always been a joy to watch, even from the southern hemisphere.

[@buffaloj0e]

I hope he has a chance to take the record for all time wins at the Tour this year.

[@kohpj7770]

Good motivation

[@brent690]

I've requested this before 2021 TDF, thank you for making it, Rifian boy doesn't miss

[@smthnew861]

So this is the short king they're mentioning