Thousands of young people across the Isle of Man are being invited to take part in an exciting project celebrating the stellar career of Manx cycling legend Sir Mark Cavendish.
The Sir Mark Cavendish Raceway project, which has the full backing of the Tour de France star, aims to inspire the next generation to follow their passion — whatever it may be — just as Sir Mark did after first racing at the National Sports Centre, aged 10.
'I fell in love with racing here instantly,' he said. 'I can still remember the excitement and the pure joy. It’s a very special place for me and where it all began, so I’m incredibly happy to help inspire the next generation.'
The project is inspired by Sir Mark’s quote:
'I dreamt of being like my heroes,' and encourages young people to dream big and believe in themselves.
After turning professional at 18, Sir Mark went on to achieve a record-breaking 165 professional wins over two decades — including 35 Tour de France stage wins.
Schoolchildren will be invited to see the rebranded raceway when it is officially launched this June with exciting new features, including a large mural of the new name — made up of hundreds of children’s names — as well as fresh signage, a new podium, and a finish line inspired by Sir Mark’s trademark sprints.
To get involved, all schoolchildren will receive worksheets after Easter asking them to draw their name in bubble writing using a black felt-tip pen. These names will help form the huge mural. Children from local cycling clubs — including Sir Mark’s own — are also to take part.
As part of the project, children will also be invited to name their own hero and submit a question they’d love to ask Sir Mark. The best entries will win the chance to interview him as part of the celebration.
Daphne Caine MHK, Minister for Education, Sport and Culture, said:
'We are incredibly fortunate to have produced such a global icon, who remains so wonderfully humble and connected to his Manx roots. This is a really exciting project and the main message to the next generation is that anything is possible if you put your mind to it and give 100%.'
Deborah Heather, Chief Executive at Visit Isle of Man, added:
'This track played a significant role in Sir Mark’s extraordinary story, and I’ve no doubt cycling fans will be fascinated to discover more about where his journey began as a young boy.'
The project not only celebrates Sir Mark’s remarkable achievements on two wheels, but also recognises his role as an ambassador for the Isle of Man throughout his illustrious career.
Parents of children that wish to take part but do not attend a DESC school can participate by collecting a worksheet from the NSC in Douglas and return it to the same place.
