Cycling: Sir Mark Cavendish to receive knighthood today

39-year-old became greatest ever Tour de France stage winner this year

Sir Mark Cavendish will receive his knighthood at Windsor Castle later today (2 October).

The 39-year-old was made a Knight Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (KBE) in the King's Birthday Honours List on 14 June this year.

The 'Manx Missile' is receiving the honour in recognition of 'his outstanding contribution to the sport of cycling, his on-Island and off-Island charity work and as a sporting ambassador for the United Kingdom and the Isle of Man.'

This year he became the most the most successful Tour de France stage winner of all-time, claiming an unprecedented 35th victory on stage five of the 2024 event to surpass the previous record of 34 held by cycling legend Eddie Merckx.

What's more, Sir Mark becomes the first person from the Isle of Man to be knighted since Sir Norman Wisdom 24 years ago.

Elsewhere, the announcement of the Manxman's knighthood in June came just a few weeks after he'd secured his 164th career victory to make him the most successful men's sprint cyclist in history.

Locally a homecoming event was held for Cavendish in August in which the NSC Raceway was renamed in his honour.

Sir Mark was one of three Island residents to receive recognition in the King's Birthday Honours List for 2024.

Mr Richard William 'Milky' Quayle received a British Empire Medal (BEM) for 'his outstanding contribution to the Isle of Man road-races' whilst Captain Stephen Patrick Carter was awarded an MBE for 'his outstanding services to maritime safety and the community of the Isle of Man.'