The 37-year-old looked as lean as ever as a final sprint saw the QuickStep-AlphaVinyl rider cross the line first after a thrilling race.
The triumph in Dumfries and Galloway was the latest scintillating ride by the man with an impressive Tour de France record since his debut in 2007.
So why is Cavendish not taking part in cycling’s grandest competition this year? The Sporting News explains.
Why is Mark Cavendish not in the Tour de France 2022?
Cavendish’s team surprisingly did not select the legendary road sprinter for the latest edition of the Tour de France.
The news was made all the more shocking by Cavendish telling his millions of Instagram followers that he had learned of the decision “on my socials”.
“I’m sad not to defend my green jersey or write even more history in the world’s most incredible bike race,” Cavendish added alongside a photo of himself celebrating at the race.
Cavendish was praised for his class after adding: “But, as always, I’ll be cheering my teammates every single day. Stay safe and good luck, boys.”
The news did not go down well among fans and Cavendish’s peers. “What he brings to that team just with his presence… there are plenty of teams who would have him at this race and get success," 2012 Tour champion Bradley Wiggins told Eurosport.
“None of it makes sense. I think he’s taken it really well. I think he’s shown what a champion he is. I almost feel like he’s got a new lease of life, he’s got a couple more years in him now.”
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Former British champion Matt Stephens told Wiggins that Cavendish’s exclusion had been “cruel”.
“I think the manner in which he found out about his non-selection was, I’ll be honest, disgraceful,” said Stephens.
“Any rider who isn’t picked for the Tour should be told on a phone call, in my opinion. He’s done so much for that team.
“He is driven… it’s a shame he’s not here but the dignity with which he’s carried himself after that decision is exemplary and he can hold his head high.”
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Fabio Jakobsen was chosen ahead of Cavendish, who is in his second spell with QuickStep, having also represented them between 2013 and 2015. He is hoping to earn a new contract in 2023.
Cavendish, who won a stage at the Giro d’Italia in May for the 16th time in his career, said after his triumph last month at Castle Douglas: “I can at least show the reason I am not going on the Tour is not because I have got bad form.”
Has Mark Cavendish won the Tour de France?
Cavendish, the rider known as the ‘Manx Missile’, is yet to win the race in 13 attempts. However, he won the points classification in 2021 and 2011 as part of seven top-five finishes in the section.
In the days around the start of the 2022 Tour, Cavendish portrayed himself carrying out DIY on his roof and training with one of his three children, Casper.
There was also good news for Cavendish when his wife, Peta, announced on social media that she is pregnant again.
Mark Cavendish Tour de France record
As well as the green jersey, Cavendish’s four stage wins at the 2021 Tour represented a considerable achievement after a five-year wait for a Tour stage victory.
Perhaps the most frustrating aspect of Cavendish’s omission will be his inability this year to try to break a record set by Belgian cycling great Eddy Merckx during the late 1960s and early 1970s.
Merckx won 34 stages of the Tour de France — a total equalled by Cavendish at last year’s race. His best-placed general classification finish is 130th in 2011.
Riders in the Tour de France 2022
A total of 176 riders were involved when the 2022 Tour de France began with the Grand Depart in Copenhagen on July 1. Here are all of the teams and competitors.
