Cavendish equalled Merckx’s record of 34 stage wins after claiming a bunch sprint finish on Stage 13 in Carcassonne, capitalising on yet another superb lead-out from teammate Michael Morkov.
It was a historic moment for the 36-year-old, who is in the midst of an incredible comeback after his career looked all but over prior to being selected for this year’s Tour.
The Manx Missile has made sure to avoid any comparisons with Merckx en route to the record, but the Belgian legend himself has now broken his silence on what separates the two.
“I won’t lose any sleep over it (losing the record),” the ever-competitive 76-year-old told La Gazzetta dello Sport.
“Of course there’s a difference between us. I won 34 Tour stages by winning sprints, in the mountains, in time trials and going on the attack on the descents.
“Let’s not forget the five yellow jerseys I’ve got at home; plus the 96 days I wore it.
“Does that not seem much?
“Naturally, I’m not trying to play down what he’s achieved. Also because he’s been through a difficult time and has fallen in love with cycling again.
“That’s a great message for young people in the sport.”
Cavendish has taken stage victories in Fougeres, Chateauroux, Valence and Carcassonne at this year’s Tour and could yet grab a record-breaking 35th on the final day in Paris.
“I can’t even think about it,” the Deceuninck Quick-Step rider said on Saturday (AEST).
“It’s still just another win on the Tour de France, it’s like my first one.
“I’ve won a stage of the Tour de France, it’s what I’ve dreamed of as a kid. It’s what I dream of now. I’ve worked so hard for it.”
The Tour de France continues tonight with Stage 14 and you can catch all the action on SBS and SBS On Demand at 8:30pm (AEST), with the SKODA Tour Tracker app commencing from 8:15pm (AEST).
