Mark Cavendish is a sporting great, that’s undisputed now.
Cavendish, 39, ripped up the history books on Wednesday (July 3), as he surpassed Eddy Merckx’s 34 stage wins at the Tour de France. The sole purpose of Astana-Qazaqstan’s trip to France this summer was ‘Project 35’.
And they did everything to try and make Cavendish’s 35th win possible – as Daily Star Sport looks deeper at the Manx Missile’s £180,000 set-up he’s rocking at the Grande Boucle.
READ MORE: Mark Cavendish breaks Tour de France stage win record with historic victory
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Cavendish’s win on the roads into Saint Vulbas was no fluke, he surfed trains expertly before bursting into the wind at the perfect moment. Astana left no stone unturned in their preparation, right down to his socks.
The Manx Missile took his record breaking win riding the Wilier Triestina Filante SLR. The aero bike retails for €11,300 (£10,316), but if you want Cavendish’s colour scheme you will have to cough up €13,300 (£11,255).
What do you think about Mark Cavendish’s £1,000 socks? Let us know in the comments section
(Image: Getty Images)
Cav’s bike isn’t the most expensive in the peloton, in fact it’s one of the cheapest, but it has been custom built for his needs, utilising aerodynamic water bottles for maximum efficiency.
However, the most eye-catching number of Cavendish’s set-up are his socks, the Nopinz P35 socks that retail for £1,000. Why they cost that much is anyone’s guess, the details on the British brand’s website reads “designed by champions for champions”.
Looking at them, they have chevrons carved into the material. Either way, Cav was wearing standard cotton socks on Wednesday.
(Image: Getty Images)
The most expensive item in the Manx Missile’s set-up is undoubtedly his Richard Mille watch. While other riders might elect for a Garmin, Cav seems to prefer style, opting to rock his RM 011.
Prices vary depending on the model, but they range from £141,000 to £117,000.
Richard Mille watches are popular among sportsmen, and they’re best known for their exclusivity.