Cyclist Mark Cavendish will start the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

The love affair between Mark Cavendish and France continues! The record holder for Tour de France victories with 35 wins will indeed be in Le Mans on June 13th to give the start of the 94th edition of the 24 Hours of Le MansHe succeeds Roger Federer, who lowered the French flag at 16 p.m. last year.

"France and I have a long history. The Tour taught me everything — pain, glory, pushing myself to the limit.", did he declare. "There are events that transcend their discipline, that belong to all athletes in the world regardless of their sport, and the 24 Hours of Le Mans is one of them. It's a cathedral of sport, and I can't wait to experience the start from the inside."

The President of the Automobile Club de l'Ouest, Pierre Fillon, explained the decision to select Sir Mark Cavendish (knighted in 2024) as the starter for the 24 Hours of Le Mans. This selection continues a line of athletes who have held this position, as Roger Federer was preceded by Zinédine Zidane and LeBron James.

“Sir Mark Cavendish is one of the greatest figures in world sport. His presence in Le Mans to start this 94th edition embodies what our race has represented for over a century: the elite of sport and performance, united by a shared passion.”

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