(Brussels) Eddy Merckx, stripped of his record for stage victories in the Tour de France after the 35the Mark Cavendish’s success on Wednesday in Saint-Pulvas, congratulated the Briton for his “historic performance”.
“Congratulations Mark for this historic performance. A good guy who broke my record on the Tour,” wrote the “Cannibal” on his Instagram account, accompanying his message with a yellow heart.
Last summer, when Mark Cavendish broke his collarbone on a road in the Dordogne, Merckx was one of the first to wish him a speedy recovery, expressing his sadness at seeing him leave the Tour de France after a fall.
Merck, who turned 79 a few days ago, then welcomed Cavendish’s turnaround when the sprinter ultimately signed on for one last season.
The two men have a real admiration for each other.
On Wednesday, the “Cav” also showed his respect for Merckx during his post-race interviews.
“I love Eddy. He has always been very kind to me. I have not taken anything away from the great Eddy Merckx. He is just a number. Eddy Merckx remains Eddy Merckx,” said the Astana rider.