Celebrations as cyclist Sir Mark Cavendish returns to Isle of Man for lap of honour in Douglas

  • ITV Granada Reports’ Isle of Man reporter Joshua Stokes caught up with Sir Mark at the homecoming event

Sir Mark Cavendish has returned home to the Isle of Man for a celebration in honour of his record-breaking career.

Thousands gathered at the National Sports Centre in Douglas for the homecoming of the Manx Missile.

It was Sir Mark’s first visit home since he claimed a record-breaking 35th career Tour de France stage win.

The 39 year old told ITV Granada Reports it was "good to be back where he started", and took selfies as he did the lap of honour surrounded by dozens of young cyclists.

He said: "To have the kids riding with me was really special. I remember how I'd have felt to ride with a professional, so that was really really nice to do that."

Children from Manx Sport and Recreation clubs and members of the Island’s thriving cycling clubs joined Cavendish in the event.

Fans lined the NSC raceway for a flag-waving roar of appreciation as Sir Mark completed a lap of honour on his the track he first cycled as a child.

Sir Mark completed one lap of the raceway on his own, followed by three laps with young cyclists on the island.

The Manx Missile was the centre of attention as fans asked for autographs and selfies.

Sir Mark was welcomed to the island by Chief Minister Alfred Cannan MHK and by Lieutenant Governor Sir John Lorimer MBE.

Dot Tilbury MBE, who started coaching Sir Mark at the age of nine, was also at the homecoming celebration. 

She said: "I got very emotional, and there were kids everywhere on bikes, and people lining the route and I was quite overcome to be honest".

  • Dot Tilbury MBE was a mentor to Mark Cavendish when he started cycling in the Isle of Man

Daphne Caine MHK, Minister of Education, Sport and Culture said: "Sir Mark’s achievements are truly exceptional and provide an inspiration for ongoing generations of children to get involved in cycling."

The raceway is being renamed as a tribute to the Manxman who has 165 career victories.

The Sir Mark Cavendish Raceway is due to open early next year.

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