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Isle of Man: Sir Mark Cavendish Raceway to be officially unveiled

Isle of Man: Sir Mark Cavendish Raceway to be officially unveiled

BBC News27-06-2025
The raceway where Sir Mark Cavendish fell in love with cycling as a 10-year-old boy will be officially renamed later to celebrate his legacy in the Manx capital.The cycleway at the National Sports Centre in Douglas was where the Manx Missile first started cycling competitively as a child.The 40-year-old went on to become the most successful stage winner in Tour de France history when he took his 35th victory last year, having claimed 135 career wins.Sir Mark will complete a timed "hot lap" of the 0.6-mile (1km) circuit, then school children and members of his former cycling club will join him for a ride-out lap, before he officially opens the raceway.
A mural featuring the names of hundreds of pupils, a new podium, finish lines and signs explaining the cyclist's successes, are all set to be unveiled at the launch event.The new artwork also includes a quote from the cycling legend reflecting on his experience from before childhood races.It reads: "I dreamed of being like my heroes."The Manx government said the project had been designed to celebrate Sir Mark's legacy by encouraging the next generation to take up the sport, while recognising the place where his journey began.
The Manx Missile took part in a similar event in August by taking part in a lap of honour the first time he returned to the island after breaking the Tour de France record.Police have confirmed traffic will be held in the area for a short period of time from 10:00 BST to allow a supervised parade of cyclists to "safely make their way" from the sports centre entrance to the raceway.Motorists have been warned to expect "slight disruption to traffic" in the area of Groves Road and Pulrose Road and encouraged to allow extra time for their journeys and consider alternative routes.
Read more stories from the Isle of Man on the BBC, watch BBC North West Tonight on BBC iPlayer and follow BBC Isle of Man on Facebook and X.
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