The farewell of 'Cav' in pictures: guard of honor, autographs for competitors, and a victory in Singapore

Earlier this week, Cavendish announced his retirement. Before the start of the criterium, the riders present in Singapore lined up to honor 'the Manx Missile'. With their bikes raised on their rear wheels, they stood at the sides of the road as Cavendish rode through with a big smile. Among those paying tribute were Chris Froome, Biniam Girmay, Primoz Roglic, Jasper Philipsen, Thomas De Gendt and Vincenzo Nibali, who lifted their wheels in the air as a farewell salute to the Astana Qazaqstan sprinter.

Experiencing the farewell of such a legend in person is, of course, very special. Several riders from Terengganu Cycling Team, a Malaysian continental team, couldn’t resist asking for an autograph from the man with 35 Tour de France stage wins. Cavendish was gracious enough to oblige: one received a signature on the stem of his bike, another on his helmet. The young guys were over the moon!

In the final phase of the short criterium, covering 57 kilometers, Astana Qazaqstan took the lead. They reeled in the last escapees, specifically Froome and Nibali. The rest of the riders did their utmost to make it all look as natural as possible. Philipsen launched an early sprint, with Girmay on his wheel, but it was Cavendish who, as expected, claimed the ceremonial victory. And so the British king of cycling wins got to raise his hands in the air one last time. After the race, everyone came by to congratulate Cavendish on his remarkable career. A splendid farewell!