Arise Sir Mark Cavendish! Legendary sprinter knighted in King Charles birthday honours

The next few months could prove to be some of the biggest in Mark Cavendish's legendary sprint career as he attempts to take a record breaking 35th Tour de France stage win in what will be his final ever appearance at the French Grand Tour.

Ahead of writing the final chapter of his Tour de France story however, the greatest sprinter of all time has been recognised for his achievements in the sport of cycling and services to charity, and is set to be knighted by King Charles in his upcoming birthday honours. "I'm truly humbled to be honoured by His Majesty the King," said Cavendish in reaction. 

"It's always been the biggest privilege to represent my country, and seeing cycling as the sport, pastime and mode of transport I've given my life to, grow in Great Britain during the span of my career has given me joy and pride beyond words," continues the current Astana Qazaqstan Team leader. "I'm truly thankful to everybody that has lived this journey with me."

In a career that has spanned two decades, Cavendish has more wins to his name than any other sprinter in history and as mentioned, has become intertwined in the fabric of the Tour de France folklore with his tally of 34 stage wins to date, equalled only by the great Eddy Merckx. With 17 Giro d'Italia stage wins, 3 Vuelta a Espana triumphs, a World Championship title in 2011, a monument win at Milano-Sanremo all the way back in 2009 and even an Olympic silver medal on the track, Cavendish has a palmares to rival most throughout the history of the sport.

In becoming knighted, the Manx Missile joins the likes of his former teammate Sir Bradley Wiggins and track cycling icons Sir Chris Hoy and Sir Jason Kenny among others.