Mark Cavendish admits he 'didn't realise how fast we go' after watching first Tour de France sprint as a fan - 'I'm quite proud'
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Published 06/07/2025 at 21:08 GMT+1
He may be one of the greatest sprinters the Tour de France has ever seen, but Mark Cavendish is still a rookie as a spectator. The record 35-time Tour stage winner was on site to watch Mathieu van der Poel's stunning victory on Sunday, and afterwards admitted to TNT Sports that he "didn't realise how fast we go" after watching a bunch sprint as a fan for the first time.
‘I’m loving it!’ – Cavendish relishing chance to take in ‘special’ Tour as spectator
Video credit: TNT Sports
Tour de France legend Mark Cavendish was left in awe at "how fast we go" after watching his first bunch sprint finish as a fan.
The 'Manx Missile' retired from racing last year after sealing a record-breaking 35th stage win at the Tour.
Returning this time around as a spectator, Cavendish was on the ground to witness the electric conclusion to Stage 2 as Mathieu van der Poel pipped Tadej Pogacar to the line in a sensational sprint.
Speaking to TNT Sports afterwards, Cavendish admitted he had been surprised by the speed the riders moved at – despite being one of them.
"It was great as a fan. It’s the first Tour de France bunch sprint I’ve ever seen on the finish line," Cavendish said.
"Wow, we go fast. I didn’t realise how fast we go. You’re there doing it, but seeing it…it’s good, huh? I’m quite proud.
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Highlights: Van der Poel powers to pulsating Stage 2 win
Video credit: TNT Sports
"You see more from the other side, how special this race is," he added.
"As a rider, you get on the bus, you race, you get back, you get your massage, you go to bed.
"You know it’s special, you feel it’s special, bigger than anything else, but that is exemplified on the other side. You know why it’s important to the French public. I am loving it."
- How Vingegaard landed psychological blow on Pogacar in GC battle
- Van der Poel storms to breathless Stage 2 victory ahead of Pogacar
Cavendish’s importance to the race and the country was underlined when the mayor of Chateauroux, Gils Averous, announced he would unofficially rename the French town ‘Cavendish City’.
Chateauroux was the location of Cavendish’s first Tour victory in 2008, before he repeated the feat in 2011 and 2021 for a remarkable hat-trick.
The 40-year-old said he was touched by the unofficial tribute paid to him ahead of returning to the city for Stage 9 on Monday, July 13.
"Chateauroux is incredibly special for me," Cavendish said.
"It was my first Tour de France win in 2008 and every time I’ve been there since, I was fortunate I got to win.
"It’s an incredible sprint: one kilometre, sprint finish, boulevard Tour de France sprint.
"It’s an important sprint stage. I was massively honoured, thank you to the city – I can’t wait until we go there."
The 2025 Tour de France continues on Monday with Stage 3, a flat 178.3km run from Valenciennes to Dunkirk that will offer another chance for the sprinters to shine.
Watch and stream the 2025 Tour de France on TNT Sports and discovery+
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