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Electric sprinter, Mark Cavendish has made his mum very proud

Cav's mum talks about what it's like watching your son turn into a world-class cyclist.

“Unfortunately I missed the live footage of Mark winning his 3rd stage of the Tour De France. I went swimming, something I do every Thursday, but Mark’s fiancée, Melissa phoned me to tell me what had happened and I just could not believe it.

She was so excited and I was so excited. It’s amazing, really amazing.

He’s just worked so hard for this. He trains very hard indeed. He’s out there in the rain, sleet and snow, you name it. He’s been out on his bike in the most terrible weather.

Nothing stops Mark from training and I’m just so pleased he has done so incredibly well. He really deserves this success.

Cavendish celebrates on the podium

I sent him a text after the stage just to tell him how fantastic I thought he was and he replied just to tell me he'd call later. He’s so busy with interviews and everything at the moment.

Mark has always been very focused on becoming a successful cyclist. I can remember when he went into see the Head Mistress at his school about what he wanted to do for his GCSE’s. He told her there and then that he was going to be a professional cyclist.

His teacher asked him what he would do if that didn’t happen and Mark replied that there was no question. He was going to be a professional cyclist. He was only 14 at the time so to have that aspiration at such a young age is pretty amazing I think.

Cavendish is a sensational sprinter

He first got onto a bike when he was just a little boy, probably about 3 years old. I think he must have had stabilizers and he just peddled around the garden just like every other little boy of his age.

I remember when we took the stabilizers off his bike and started pushing him along. Then he started riding up at Jurby air field. That’s when he started getting into competitions and then the bug just hit him. It hit him big style. There was no going back then.

The Isle of Man is an amazing place for cyclists to train. You’ve got the hills, you’ve got the straights, you’ve got everything you could possibly want.

Adelle catching up on the headlines

Practising in the wind and rain hasn’t done him any harm because when you are out in a race you have to cope with whatever conditions are thrown at you.

As a mum you never imagine your child is going to grow up and do something so incredible. It’s unbelievable. I am so proud of him. It’s just fantastic."

last updated: 18/07/2008 at 14:57
created: 18/07/2008

Have Your Say

Send your messages of support to Cav.

Lynn Cavendish
Congrats from South Carolina, USA

fans
look out for a bunch of supporters of the champs - we shall have the manx flag flying again. Godd luck and best wishes for another sucessful season x

cav, and kennaugh fan
Well done Cav. I know Tim and Peter Kennaugh and Tim never stopped talking about you. Well Done again maybe next year you can complete more stages, with Lance Armstong! xx

Megan
Mark is just amazing! Too win four stages of the tour de france is absolutely incredible! Maybe next year he'll break the record of 8! Good luck in everything you do! I'll always support you =) x

Beth Franzwa
You are an inspiration to us all! Good luck at the Olympics!

cav fan
he's phenomenal. way to go mark. you have raised the stakes and become a star

Freya George. Lancaster
So sorry to see Cav out of the TDF. He was giving the event some of the magic ithas ben lacking for some time. Good Luck Mark, looking forward to the Olympics.

calvin
So sad to hear about Cav beingout of the tour but if he's to get back in time for the olympics i'm sure its the best thing

Sarah Notting
Not suprised Mark's mum is proud. I am proud and I've never met you. Keep it coming Mark, we know you've got more winning sprint finishes in you!

Superman
Cav for Chief Minister. Maybe then we'll get a velodrome here on the Isle of Man.

Mike Dorchester
My wife and I are following your every move. We think it's amazing tohave someone from Britain doing so well on the international cycling stage. This will inspire generations to come. Congratulations Mark you have done so well and I get the feeling there's more to come. Mike

Elaine Reese
Mark is incredible and it feels so brill to know he's from the Isle of Man. Everyone is really proud. There are posters up in the street. It's massive.

Steve , Isle of Man
That last sprint was mind blowing. Can't wait for the weekend. Great when someone comes along who lifts the bar one more time.

David Spikes in Scotland
Lovely to hear from Mark Cavendish's mum. No wonder he has done so well with so much support around him.

Laine Colos, Blackpool
I have been scanning the internet to read about Mark Cavendish. His mum's article is the only bit of sense I've read out of all of them. Mark you are a star and you've earned your place in history.

loop the loop
Cav. You are on fire. Bring it home in Paris.

Ella
How does it feel to be in the record books Mark? Congratulations from everyone here at the NSC. We've watched you train and we're very proud to see you do so well.

Ian Denton
Can't imagine what it feels like to cross that Tour finishing line first. What a brilliant performance. Your hard work has paid off I reckon.

Tracey Lane
Cav you're fantastic. Me and my friends from school are all talking about you. We're all at Balla where you went. You've got to come and speak in assembly when you get back home. PLEASE.

Pete Loiker
It's so flipping great to have someone from the Island do so well. Everyone is infected with Cav pride. ACE. Good luck for Beijing mate.

Meddy
Go Cav. You have exceeded all our hopes. Never mind local hero you have become an international hero and an inspiration to us all. Nice work...I'm in awe.

Danny Peters, Santon
How great to hear how focused Mark was, even as a child. We are all rooting for you Mark, you have put the Isle of Man on the map and there will be a great homecoming when you get back from the Olympics. They haven't seen anything yet!

Lianne
Mark you are incredible!!!!! Everywhere you go on the IOM at the moment people are talking about mark Cavendish. It's so much better than the constant talk of football. Everyone is proud of you Mark and we wish you all the best for that final sprint. I think everyone on the Island will be watching. Good Luck.

Richard Stains
Congratulations mark. You are a credit to the Isle of man and a credit to cycling. We are all so proud of you back at home so just get out there and show them what you are made of!

Mark
Keep it up Mark you are making the Isle of Man very proud.

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Electric sprinter, Mark Cavendish has made his mum very proud

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