World Champion cyclist, Britain’s most successful Tour de France rider and fan of DMR’s jewellery and watches, Mark Cavendish MBE talks about celebrating wins with a new watch and being part of the DMR-sponsored amateur cyclist sportive.
PHOTOGRAPHY by Scott Mitchell
Q1
The inaugural CVNDSH sportive was a huge success; how does it feel to be one of the driving forces behind getting the UK cycling?
When I started cycling I didn’t think it would become as big as it is. It was a niche sport then and I did it because I loved it. To see it grow in the UK, with people riding their bikes for commuting, racing or simply pleasure, is pretty phenomenal. To think I could have played a part in that, however small, really does make me feel proud.
Q2
Your second child, a son, was born in August 2015. How has fatherhood affected your racing?
When I [found out] I was going to become a father the guys who were already dads in the peloton warned me: “You won’t want to be away from home”, “you won’t want to take risks” and things like that. But actually it had the opposite effect on me. I decided that the way I was going to give my family the best life possible was by riding my bike and so that meant every time I was away, every stroke of the pedal, was for their benefit and it made me even more hungry.
Q3
With the growth of women’s professional cycling, how would you feel if your little girl Delilah wanted to ride professionally in the women’s peloton?
As a protective father, I get nervous at the thought of my daughter doing anything dangerous. But, on the other hand, I would support her in whatever she might want to do in life.
Q4
You are known across the globe as somebody who is obsessive about attention to detail in every facet of your life, especially racing. How does this manifest itself on a day-to-day basis?
It’s calmed down since I became a father; you have to let things go a little bit more. You can put something back in its place and then you know that two minutes later it’s not going to be there! I wasn’t really that attentive to my personal space when I was younger, but I have always had an eye for> detail – everything had to match and be precise and exactly how I wanted it.
I think the only way to strive to be as close to perfect as possible is to get every little detail within your capabilities correct.
Q5
What are you most proud of, both personally and professionally?
Personally my proudest achievement is definitely my children. I’ve got the most beautiful family and I’m incredibly lucky. Professionally it’s the UCI Road World Championships; that’s something that will always stand out. I’m fortunate enough to have won two World Championships on the track, but what it took to win the Road World Championships is something that will stay with me forever. I’m someone who doesn’t live by regrets really. ‘Shoulda, woulda, coulda’ isn’t part of my vocabulary.
Q6
You often speak about how everything appears to be in slow motion at the conclusion of a race, and how you analyse your moves in minute detail. What techniques do you employ to do this?
I didn’t even know I did it until people started asking me about it. It’s just something that always came naturally to me. I think it comes naturally to most top level sports people, whatever sport they play. A lot of people go out and ride their bike, or go to the gym, but while it’s important to train your muscles to keep them responsive, it’s as important to train your brain. I do a lot of puzzles, especially Japanese number ones.
Q7
With new sprinters in the peloton every year, how will you have to adapt your style to retain your competitive edge?
I think the sprint has changed a lot in the last years because of the fact that there are actually dedicated sprint teams now. I was part of teams that were formidable sprint trains, but they always had a diversity to ride well in other stages, whereas teams now come with a full eight guys to ride for one sprinter. I actually don’t want to be a part of a team like that because I’m proud of a group win across the board, but it definitely makes it harder for a team that’s not completely dedicated to the sprint.
Q8
Tiger Woods talks about trying not to get too overexcited when things are going right or too down on himself when things are going badly; is this something that you can relate to during a Grand Tour?
A Grand Tour definitely is a roller coaster of emotions, but what sets cycling apart from golf is the fact that we are a team so we have people to share it with. This makes things better when you’re happy, but you can also rely on somebody when you are down and get through it together. Obviously we have a job to do so to get too emotionally involved is always going to be detrimental to your physical performance and emotion in a race is a waste of energy, but at least we have our teammates to support us whatever.
Q9
Which other sports stars do you admire?
I never really had heroes growing up, but I admire anyone who is a professional sportsman or woman. I understand why they get frustrated when people say they are ‘lucky’. Obviously sportspeople are fortunate to do what they do, but we aren’t lucky. You see the winning and you see the lifestyle, but it’s hard for someone who doesn’t do it to see what goes into that.
Q10
What ambitions do you have left?
To be fair I’ve done pretty much everything that I set out to do when I turned professional. The only thing that’s really missing from a personal point of view is an Olympic medal. In cycling, the Olympics aren’t a massive deal so it doesn’t really affect my career so much, but as a British sportsperson the Olympics is the biggest thing you can do while wearing the jersey that represents the flag you were born under. I’m incredibly patriotic and proud to represent my country, and I would love to win an Olympic medal for Great Britain.
Q11
You are a big fan of watches. Which models in your collection are your favourites?
I was really excited when I was waiting for my Rolex Yacht-Master Everose to arrive. The research and development that has gone into Rolex’s first rubber strap is quite a big thing. It’s a pretty cool watch. When I win a big race I also like to get myself and my teammates matching watches so I’ve got everything from green-on-green Submariners from when I won the green jersey to Panerai watches with red straps. I’ve got quite a collection, but they have more sentimental value to me than anything.
Q12
People who love watches often love cars too. Does this apply to you?
I’m a bit of a speed freak. I do love cars and motorbikes. I’m proud to be an ambassador for the Jaguar Academy of Sport. I think the cars are absolutely phenomenal as is the company as a whole. It’s an incredibly good group of people and, with their Academy of Sport, it’s not just throwing scholarships or money into marketing; there is a mentoring programme, which enables young people to achieve what they can in their sport.
Q13
Are there any watches missing from your collection that you’d love to own?
I’ve got a stainless Patek Philippe Nautilus that I wore to get married which is an incredibly beautiful timepiece, but I think eventually I’d like to get a complication piece from Patek Philippe. The history and story behind its watchmaking is pretty exquisite and to get a complication from Patek would be something really special.
Q14
In light of the CVNDSH sportive and other similar amateur sportives such as L’Etape du Tour, what advice would you give to amateur cyclists looking to tackle one or just improve their performance?
It sounds like a basic answer but riding your bike is going to get you better, simple as. The more you train, the more you ride, the better you’re going to be, and you’ll find any race, any ride, a lot easier.
I was really excited when I was waiting for my Rolex Yacht-Master Everose to arrive. The research and development that has gone into Rolex’s first rubber strap is quite a big thing.
Quickfire Q&A
Favourite Car:
Jaguar F-Type R Coupé
Favourite Film:
Layer Cake
Favourite Actor:
Leonardo DiCaprio – “I can’t think of a bad film he’s been in”
Favourite Band:
Arctic Monkeys
Favourite Race:
Tour de France
Proudest Moment:
Personally – becoming a father; professionally – winning the Road World Championships
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