24h Le Mans
The Automobile Club de l’Ouest is pleased to announce that Sir Mark Cavendish, who holds the record for the most Tour de France stages won (35), will wave the start of the 2026 24 Hours of Le Mans, at 16:00 on Saturday 13 June.
Emblematic figure of world sport, Sir Mark Cavendish rewrote cycling history as he put his name to one Tour de France stage after another – totalling 35 in all. Awarded Knight of the British Empire in 2024, the Manx Missile is particularly fond of France, having won many a sprint on its roads and inspired a generation of cyclists. The Tour de France and the 24 Hours of Le Mans have much in common. Both are monuments of world sport, both French, both household names all around the globe.
As official starter, Cavendish joins a list of great sportsmen who have paid the event the same honour. As a formidable competitor, he will be in excellent company on the starting grid this June.
"France and me go back a long way. The Tour taught me everything I know about pain, glory, and pushing your limits. Some competitions transcend their discipline; they belong to all sports fans everywhere. The 24 Hours of Le Mans is one of them. It’s a temple of sport and I’m looking forward to experiencing the start from the inside."
"Sir Mark Cavendish is an outstanding sportsman and a fitting starter for our 94th 24-hour race. He stands for all that this event holds dear: dazzling performance and shared passion."
Previous 24 Hours of Le Mans Official Starters
Some of the other greats:
