Biking and operating share the same cardio engine, making it unsurprising that many elite cyclists transition into robust age-group runners after retiring from biking. Nevertheless, not all athletes transition easily, which is one thing Tour de France legend Mark Cavendish found the arduous method. After retiring from skilled biking following the 2024 Tour de France, the 39-year-old sprinting icon has taken up operating.
Cavendish posted a selfie along with his medal from the Harmonie Mutuelle Semi de Paris on social media, and a few of his followers and followers had been lower than impressed. He accomplished his 21.1 km debut in 1:57:08, averaging 5:33 per kilometre (8:55 per mile).
Whereas that’s a good time for a lot of beginner runners of their first half-marathon, some chirped the 35-time Tour de France stage winner for his lack of health, given his athletic background.
“Am I lacking one thing right here? I’m 53 and might simply do this,” one commenter wrote.”Normally, cyclists are good runners… it’s the alternative right here.”
“He should’ve been in zone 0.5,” one other joked. “It’s good to know I can compete with an elite sportsman.”
What made issues worse for Cavendish was the presence of one other former Tour de France stage winner in the identical race. Thomas Voeckler, a four-time stage winner, and now the supervisor of the French nationwide biking staff, completed in 1:13:21—putting fourth in his males’s 45-49 age group and 179th general out of 48,000 individuals. Voeckler, who can also be six years older than Cavendish, additional fuelled the fireplace round his time.
On tour, Cavendish was by no means actually identified for his endurance. He was nicknamed the “Manx Missile,” and constructed his legacy being as of the best sprinters in biking historical past, dominating flat, high-speed finishes fairly than on lengthy and hard climbs. His energy was all the time in pure dash levels—not the type of sustained cardio effort required for long-distance operating. A direct comparability in operating can be somebody like Usain Bolt racing the marathon.
Regardless of the criticism, quite a few individuals got here to Cavendish’s defence, applauding him for making an attempt one thing new in retirement. “Not very welcoming to a brand new runner—all of us have to start out someplace,” one commented.
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“Slagging him off for his time is disgraceful. He doesn’t publicly name you out when he sees your bike occasions on Strava. Nicely performed, Cavendish,” wrote one other.
Cavendish’s 1:57:08 half-marathon time might not be breaking end tapes anytime quickly, however for a primary try, it’s a strong effort—particularly for somebody transitioning from one other sport. As Cavendish’s coaching continues for the 2025 Paris Marathon, he positively deserves kudos, not criticism.