Mark Cavendish played out a perfect fairytale ending on his historic career

The 39-year-old could savour his final days on a race which has done so much to define his career, high-fiving fans, posing for pictures and soaking up the great circus that is the biggest bike race on the planet.

FAIRYTALE ENDING: Sir Mark Cavendish record-breaking 35th career Tour stage win came on the fifth day in Saint-Vulbas. Picture: Gareth Copley/PA

Fairytale endings rarely come to pass in sport, but for Mark Cavendish, his final Tour de France was the perfect way to bring the curtain down on an historic career.

The Manxman’s record-breaking 35th career Tour stage win came on the fifth day in Saint-Vulbas, the culmination of months of hard work and sacrifice from Cavendish, his family and his Astana-Qazaqstan team.