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Manx missile and greatest cyclist of all time Sir Mark Cavendish returns to his native Isle of Man this week. There will be national celebrations to mark his record-breaking career.
Sir Mark Cavendish Honours Parade: The Isle of Man Missile Return Ceremony will take place at the Douglas National Sports Centre on Thursday 15 August at 1pm.
This will be Sir Mark’s first trip home since his record-breaking 35th Tour de France stage win. The whole island will gather at the NSC circuit to celebrate his extraordinary career, waving flags and cheering as Sir Mark first rode a bike as a child. The circuit will be renamed in honour of the Manx man who achieved 165 career wins.
Thursday’s event will last approximately 30 minutes, and those who are working are expected to attend during their lunch break.
The event will provide the Department of Education, Sport and Culture with an opportunity to announce further details about the Sir Mark Cavendish Track, which was created to honour and celebrate Sir Mark’s achievements and is expected to open early next year.
Sir Mark will be welcomed at the entrance to the racecourse on Thursday by First Minister Alfred Cannan, MHK and the Deputy Governor. Dot Tilbury MBE, Sir Mark’s trainer since he was nine, will also take part in the celebrations.
Minister of Education, Sports and Culture Daphne Caine MHK said:
“Sir Mark’s achievements are truly extraordinary and have inspired generations of children to take up cycling. Thursday will be the first time the Isle of Man will have the opportunity to applaud the Manx Missile, right where he started.
“I really hope to be there on Sir Mark’s day to celebrate his return and to thank him for the many opportunities he has brought to the Isle of Man and the sense of national pride he has brought to the country every time he has achieved victory and made the Isle famous around the world.”
Mrs Kane will be out on the day Sir Mark returns to celebrate, and Lady Sarah Maltby, the Royal Etiquette Lady, will attend on her behalf.
The department is making arrangements for as many children as possible to attend Thursday’s event through the Isle of Man Sports and Recreation Club, and members of the island’s thriving cycling clubs have also been invited.
- The public is welcome to attend the event. Make it a day to remember by bringing flags and banners to cheer Sir Mark on as he makes his rounds
- Spectators should arrive at NSC by 12:00 noon. Please be in place and line up at the NSC track by 12:45 p.m.
- Parking is extremely limited at and around the NSC. Visitors are encouraged to walk, take a bus, or ride a bicycle. Vannin Bus Service will announce and highlight the best options and times in its scheduled public schedule.
- The NSC swimming pool will be closed from 12 noon to 2:30 pm that day
If the weather is bad, the celebrations may be postponed until Friday 16 August. A decision will be made on Wednesday. Please follow the Isle of Man Government social media channels for updates and further details.
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