Tour de France Star Cavendish Named 24H Le Mans Starter

Record-breaking Tour de France competitor Sir Mark Cavendish has been named as the official starter for this year’s 24 Hours of Le Mans.

The cycling star, who took 35 Tour de France stage wins during his lengthy career, will join a list of sporting greats including tennis ace Roger Federer, football legend Zinedine Zidane and leading basketball player LeBron James in having waved the start of the Le Mans contest in recent years.

Cavendish’s final appearance in the Tour de France came in 2024, when he achieved his record 35th stage success, before retiring from professional cycling later that year.

“France and me go back a long way,” said Cavendish. “The Tour taught me everything I know about pain, glory, and pushing your limits.

“Some competitions transcend their discipline; they belong to all sports fans everywhere. The 24 Hours of Le Mans is one of them.

“It’s a temple of sport and I’m looking forward to experiencing the start from the inside.”

ACO President Pierre Fillon added: “Sir Mark Cavendish is an outstanding sportsman and a fitting starter for our 94th 24-hour race.

“He stands for all that this event holds dear: dazzling performance and shared passion.”