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Cavendish & Tour De France Masterthread


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In fairness, he is a British rider under how the World cycling body's rules, which count the Isle of Man as part of Great Britain. Its a bit undesirable that he's referred to as a 'Briton,' which is inaccurate, and claiming people as British is hardly an English-only trait Albert. The Scots et al aren't exactly exclusionary towards Lewis Hamilton or Britain's successful Olympiads., and they all get behind the boxers etc.

 

I don't think it is unreasonable that people feel aggrieved at him being refered to as 'British,' as it does in some respects represent a marginalisation of the Manx as a seperate national identity.

 

End of the day though, its about Cav's spectacular achievement.

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Have just discovered this thread after posting a comment on Leisure and Sport 'Tour de France'.

 

The video which refers to him as "the Englishman"...! is on the official website...

 

http://www.letour.fr/2008/TDF/LIVE/us/500/videos.html

 

He's now regarded as one of if not THE fastest sprinter in the world. Its a great opportunity to put the Island on the map - but obviously this cannot be taken for granted.

 

Its such a huge achievement....shouldn't there be some visible public recognition on the Island of this amazing achievement?

 

Statue? Building named after him? An award?

 

Any suggestions?

 

C'mon Manx success on this scale doesn't happen very often... if ever....

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I don't think the enormity of Cav's achievement has properly sunk in yet.

 

The tour de France is the biggest opportunity on the planet for cyclists. The last time somebody from the British Isles won a stage was in 2002! It doesn't really get any bigger for a cycling sprinter. Commentators are saying it confirms he is the fastest sprinter on the planet. And he's Manx!

 

Lets wait until what? A Manx cyclist walks on water whilst winning a gold medal at the Olympics, leading in the mountains at the Tour de France and crushing Manx crabs in his mouth at the same time! Then we'll think about maybe acknowledging him by having a small reception at Governor's House..!

 

I think NOW is the time to recognise his achievement. The island has an amazing cycling pedigree - in part thanks to the far sighted thinking of people like Curwen Clague who promoted Manx cycling and sport participation... Steve the pocket rocket Joughin and Peter Buckley and others have achieved a huge amount. But Cav's achievement is just at a different level.

 

Why dont we be bold {oh but dont you realise we are MANX - we dont do 'bold' I hear you think!!} and rename the airport 'Mark Cavendish International Airport'? It would remind Mark of the respect the Manx feel for his achievement whenever he flies back to the island - he wouldn't have got this far if such a jesture would have an impact on his performance.

 

It would also get media attention far beyond these shores and remind everybody else where he comes from. The name Ronaldsway has a long history and should be retained for the location of the airport. But who knows - maybe we'll attract lots of French visitors wanting to see this place that named its airport after somebody who won a stage on Le Tour!!

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