hat!

chapeau, cav, 

did never ever 

cross your mind?

you’ve earned intense relaxation 

and benign mischiefs

after a slight return

prepare to overcome; 

my melodica fingers play 

an old faithful tune

like riding a bike?

but am i charming anyone? 

chapeau, cav!

mark cavendish retired with the most tours de france stage victories of anyone. his first in 2008, his last in 2024 – a long career, that saw a long draught as he battled illness and depression. i’ve always adored cav. he cries all the time. i can relate. so passionate and unguarded in interviews. i got into cycling in about 2009, more seriously in 2012 when i finished uni and had weekends free of work for the first time. at first i didn’t really care so much about the sprint stages, but cav made them essential viewing. so many moments of joy he provided. who wouldn’t cheer for cav?