Sir Mark Cavendish celebrated on home stamps

Some of the most significant milestones in the career of cycling legend Sir Mark Cavendish are set to be celebrated on a new set of stamps.

The Manx Missile became the most successful stage winner in Tour de France history in July when he took his 35th victory.

The 39-year-old will be presented with the Lifetime Achievement gong at the BBC Sports Personality of the Year awards.

The Isle of Man Post Office said the eight-stamp collection was in recognition of his "outstanding" career.

During a career stretching almost two decades, Sir Mark secured 165 wins, including in the final race of his career in the finish line first in the Tour de France Criterium in Singapore in November.

The stellar career of the cycling great was celebrated in a homecoming event at the Isle of Man's National Sports Centre in Douglas in August.

The cycleway at the centre, where Sir Mark first started cycling competitively as a child, is set to renamed in his honour next year.

The sheetlet, which is an amalgamation of three previous stamp issues featuring the cyclist, showcases images capturing key moments throughout the years.

They include representing the Isle of Man at the Commonwealth Games, being part of Great Britain's Olympic team, and competing in the Tour de France.

The collection also features details about his career and famous victories.

Maxine Cannon of the Isle of Man Post Office said it was "fitting to mark the retirement of such a legend".

She said: "Always a proud Manxman, he has repeatedly displayed the national flag after taking victory and represented his country at the Island Games and Commonwealth Games.

"The island is immensely proud of Mark and everything he has achieved."

The eight-stamp collection documenting Sir Mark's career will be released on 30 December.

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