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Achieving the Impossible

'The greatest comeback in sports history' GQ

'A miracle' Eddy Merckx

'Mark Cavendish is the greatest sprinter in the history of the Tour and of cycling, his comeback is just amazing' Christian Prudhomme

The greatest sprinter in the history of cycling tells all.

Mark Cavendish is the stand-out British cyclist of our most golden generation. He carved his name into history with his 35th Tour de France win in 2024 to become the outright all-time record holder for the most stage victories at the world's biggest and most sought after cycling event. Breaking the record that had lasted for 48 years, Cavendish is the formidable sprinter the sport has ever seen.

In this definitive autobiography, he provides an intimate account of his exhilarating career, transporting readers to his most unforgettable racing moments. With incredible photographic accuracy and insight, Cavendish recalls his final poignant victories of the Tour de France, sealing his legacy as one of the greatest road racers of all time.

Yet for all the once-in-a-generation talent and success, Mark has always been candid about the personal battle that it has taken to achieve greatness, and his story is one of struggle, sacrifice and the power of human determination. This compelling autobiography offers a rare perspective into the true psyche of a champion. Giving his final word and with a fully reflective perspective, Mark tells the whole truth about himself and the era of cycling that he has graced.

About Mark Cavendish

Sir Mark Cavendish is widely regarded as the greatest sprinter in the history of cycling and is the 'Tour de France's best sprinter of all time', according to L'Équipe.

Born and raised on the Isle of Man and having experienced early success on the track, Cav joined professional road cycling team T-Mobile in 2006 as a stagiaire. During the 2008 season, he made his first big impact at the grand tours, winning two stages at the Giro d'Italia followed by four victories at the Tour de France at the age of just 22.

Following his early career success, Cav went on to dominate the sport. On the track he became Madison World Champion in 2005, 2008 and 2016 and at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio he represented Great Britain in the Omnium event, winning a silver medal.

On the road, Cav has achieved a phenomenal 52 Grand Tour stage wins, has won points jerseys at all three grand tours and in 2011 won the coveted green jersey at the Tour de France for the first time, as well as becoming UCI Road Race World Champion. His achievements led to him winning BBC Sports Personality of the Year.

In the summer of 2021, Cav created history - in what many have called the greatest sporting comeback of all time - by equalling Eddy Merckx's long standing record of 34 Tour de France stage wins and winning the green jersey for the second time in his career in the process. Three years on, he masterfully surpassed Merckx’s record with an astonishing 35th stage win. He was awarded a knighthood in the same year.
Details
  • Imprint: Ebury Spotlight
  • ISBN: 9781529149494
  • Length: 352 pages
  • Price: £22.00
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