Mark Cavendish will give the start of the 24 Hours of Le Mans 2026!
- Published on 20/05/2026 16:08
- Modified on 20/05/2026 16:15
Absolute cycling legend, Sir Mark Cavendish will be the starter of the 94th edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans on Saturday, June 13, 2026.
The Automobile Club de l’Ouest has just announced a global star to launch the world’s greatest endurance race, the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Sir Mark Cavendish, nicknamed the “Missile from the Isle of Man,” will signal the start of the 2026 24 Hours of Le Mans on Saturday, June 13 at 4:00 PM.
Undisputed record-holder of the Tour de France with 35 stage wins, knighted in the British Empire since 2024, Cavendish is much more than a champion: he is a global sports icon. His passionate relationship with France, forged on the roads of the Tour, makes this choice particularly symbolic.
“France and I have a long history. The Tour taught me everything — pain, glory, pushing beyond oneself. There are challenges that transcend their discipline… 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,” said the Briton.
Two French monuments united by legend
The Tour de France and the 24 Hours of Le Mans: two competitions born in France, now regarded as universal treasures of global sports heritage. By entrusting the start to Cavendish, the ACO further strengthens the dialogue between the greatest disciplines.
Pierre Fillon, President of the Automobile Club de l’Ouest, welcomed this announcement: “Sir Mark Cavendish is one of the greatest figures in global sport. His presence at Le Mans embodies what our race has represented for over a century: the elite of sport and performance.”
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The stars who have already signaled the start:
- 2025: Roger Federer (Tennis)
- 2024: Zinédine Zidane (Football)
- 2023: LeBron James (Basketball)
- 2018: Rafael Nadal (Tennis)
- 2016: Brad Pitt (Cinema)
With the arrival of Sir Mark Cavendish, the 94th edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans promises to be even more spectacular. A legendary start for a mythical race.
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This page is translated from the original post "Mark Cavendish donnera le départ des 24 Heures du Mans 2026 !" in French.
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