Douglas’s council leader has praised Mark Cavendish for his success in this year’s Tour de France.

David Christian, has applauded the success of fellow Freeman of the Borough of Douglas on his outstanding achievements in the three-week race.

Councillor Christian said: ’Mark Cavendish has achieved a truly remarkable comeback this year that will go down in sporting history.

’After a couple of difficult years, he’s had an incredibly successful three weeks in Paris [France] competing in the tour, capped off by winning his second green jersey.

’To all of us in the Isle of Man, though, Mark is far more than a world class sportsman.

’He’s enormously proud of his Manx roots and is a magnificent ambassador for the Isle of Man.

’It was for one of those reasons that the council chose to confer upon him the Honorary Freedom of the Borough of Douglas.

’On behalf of the council - and as one freeman of the borough to another - I congratulate Mark Cavendish on his well deserved triumph and wish him every success for the future.

’And, on a personal note, having decided not to stand in the forthcoming local election, I am proud that one of my final duties as leader of the council has been to recognise the latest sporting achievement of this remarkable Manxman, undoubtedly the best sprinter in the history of the Tour de France.’

Mark Cavendish took four stages of the Tour de France and won his second green jersey after returning to the race for the first time since 2018.

Cavendish now has the same number of Tour de France stage wins as cycling legend Eddy Merckx.

The Honorary Freedom of the Borough of Douglas is the highest honour the council can give to an individual as an acknowledgement or appreciation of their outstanding contribution or service to the borough and to the Isle of Man.

Mark Cavendish, who grew up in Douglas, received this honour in 2008.

lFace in the Crowd, page 6