Cavendish considers saddling up again

British cyclist Mark Cavendish said he "would see" about racing the Tour de France in 2025, despite vowing the 2024 edition would be his last.

The 39-year-old, who is the record stage winner on the Tour de France with 35 wins, was presented on stage ahead of the 2025 route reveal in the French capital and teased an appreciative crowd of 3,000 at the Palais des Congres de Paris.

"After last year, I was exhausted. You know how it is, I said 'never again'," said Cavendish, who was awarded a knighthood for his efforts.

"Then I went on holiday with my wife and kids and really relaxed for the first time in years. I saw things a bit differently."

Asked if he would be back to aim for a 36th win having sealed the all-time record in the summer, Cavendish paused and smiled.

"Yeah, we'll see," he said, leaving the path open for a potential return with his team Astana.

Cavendish made Tour de France history on July 3 to eclipse Eddy Merckx and win a record 35th stage, the veteran at the time pledging that his love affair with the great race was far from finished.

Merckx's mark had stood since 1975, and Cavendish equaled it in 2021 before finally cracking it last year.

"It's my 15th Tour de France and it takes a lot to get here, getting in shape every year," Cavendish said at the time.

Cavendish made his Tour debut in 2008, becoming world road race champion three years later.

AFP