The bike that clinched stage win number 31 for the Manxman
Mark Cavendish's Specialized Tarmac(Image credit: Specialized)
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Mark Cavendish's S-Works Tarmac, pictured here ahead of the grand depart(Image credit: Specialized)
Fitted with Roval C38 wheels and Roubaix tyres for training, and an uncut steerer, the mechanics still had work to do to get it race-ready(Image credit: Specialized)
However, for race day, he returned to Roval Rapide wheels and Turbo Cotton tyres(Image credit: Getty Images)
He's running the £390 3d-printed S-Works Power Mirror saddle(Image credit: Specialized)
That was until this happened in the closing stages of yesterday's race(Image credit: Getty Images)
Look closely, and you can see that the carbon rails had snapped(Image credit: Getty Images)
In that same photo, you can see Cav's Di2 sprint shifter, positioned in a front-facing 'trigger' style, rather than inward(Image credit: Getty Images)
The same shifter can just about be made out here(Image credit: Specialized)
Cue obligatory comment about not yet using new Dura-Ace(Image credit: Specialized)
The bike's model name adorns the rear of the seat tube(Image credit: Specialized)
Cavendish's name sticker leaves no doubt as to whose bike this is(Image credit: Specialized)
He came into the Tour simply happy to be on the start line, "the stars aligned" he said, and despite his competitive nature leading him to state "I wouldn't be at the Tour de France if I wasn't going to try and sprint," he also quickly shot down any questions of Eddy Merckx's record of 34 stage wins.
His story is one that has been told a thousand times over, but after many had written him off after his Epstein Barr virus and subsequent run of poor results, his return to Deceuninck-QuickStep was the surprise move of the recent offseason.
Speaking after his win, an emotional Cavendish did what all cyclists do, in thanking their teammates for their sacrifice, but with an undeniable air of sincerity.
"So many people didn't believe in me, and these guys do," he said.
The Deceuninck-QuickStep team also recently reaffirmed its belief in its bike sponsor, Specialized, as in the days leading up to the Tour, the two parties signed a six-year deal that will see the team aboard Specialized bikes until 2027.
The Manxman's bike is the Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL7, fitted with Turbo Cotton clincher tyres - such is the commitment from the team at this Tour.
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Unlike Alaphilippe, who uses a lightweight round handlebar from Pro, Cavendish has stuck with the aerodynamic Rapide handlebar from Roval, as well as the aero Rapide wheels from the same brand.
He also uses the 3D-printed saddle, the S-Works Power with Mirror technology, however, his ride was derailed - pun very much intended - when his saddle rails snapped with around 50km to go.
He also uses a Di2 satellite shifter - popular among sprinters to enable shifting whilst retaining a tight grip on the drops. However, unlike most riders, he's only running one - on his right drop - allowing him to only shift up through the gears. In addition, rather than putting the shifter in an inward-facing position, which means it can be operated with the thumb, he's positioned it forward-facing, like the pull of a trigger.
After a time trial stage today, Cavendish's next chance to pull that trigger comes on Thursday's 160.6km stage from Tours to Châteauroux.
Mark Cavendish's S-Works Tarmac SL7: Specifications
Josh is Associate Editor of Cyclingnews – leading our content on the best bikes, kit and the latest breaking tech stories from the pro peloton. He has been with us since the summer of 2019 and throughout that time he's covered everything from buyer's guides and deals to the latest tech news and reviews.
On the bike, Josh has been riding and racing for over 15 years. He started out racing cross country in his teens back when 26-inch wheels and triple chainsets were still mainstream, but he found favour in road racing in his early 20s, racing at a local and national level for Somerset-based Team Tor 2000. These days he rides indoors for convenience and fitness, and outdoors for fun on road, gravel, 'cross and cross-country bikes, the latter usually with his two dogs in tow.
