Mark Cavendish Fights Back

Mark Cavendish, the renowned British road cyclist, was diagnosed with Epstein-Barr virus in 2016, threatening to derail his career.

What happened?

The virus led to chronic fatigue, and Cavendish quickly lost weight and his familiar sprinting power. He was at the height of his career, regarded as one of the best sprinters in the world, with 30 Tour de France stage wins by 2016. The 2017 Tour de France saw Cavendish crash with Peter Sagan, knocking him out of the competition.

Why it matters for Mark Cavendish

Cavendish's determination to regain his form is inspiring, and his story is told in the Netflix documentary Mark Cavendish: Never Enough. The film features exciting race footage and interviews, including liberal use of footage of Lance Armstrong. Cavendish himself tells the story, sharing the pain he felt when he couldn't compete.

What comes next?

The documentary follows Cavendish's journey from his competitive peak to his lowest low and eventual return to form. By 2018, Cavendish missed the time cut in the Tour de France, but he refused to give up. "It was like, shut the f**k up. You don’t know what you’re on about," Cavendish said in response to media speculation that his career was nearing an end. His wife Peta reflected on the media's treatment of Cavendish, saying "The media and him treated each other with an equal level of contempt." Cavendish's battle back to the top is a testament to his strength and dedication. The British road racer continues to chase Eddy Merckx's record, with 34 individual Tour de France stage wins. Cavendish's story is one of perseverance and determination, inspiring fans around the world. The Netflix documentary Mark Cavendish: Never Enough offers a glimpse into the life of this remarkable athlete.