British cycling legend Sir Mark Cavendish said he “couldn’t have asked for a better start” by winning the final race of his career.

The 39 year old manwho was knighted last monthsaid he was “very emotional” and “very grateful” after crossing the finish line in the 25-lap Singapore Criterium – his 166th victory.

“Thank you very much. I couldn’t have asked for a better start,” he told Eurosport after being congratulated by fellow riders, cheering fans and kissing his wife, Peta.

After winning the race in sunny Singapore, Sir Mark, nicknamed Missile Manx, said he was “very emotional actually”.

“I realized that the last five laps were the last 15 kilometers of my career,” he said.

“I was so on the limit. The heat here is not pleasant for me, I haven’t raced since the Tour de France so I lack sharpness.”

“I really wanted this and I’m so proud of (this) victory as my last professional race.”

Sir Mark hasn’t raced for a record 35th career stage victory at the Tour de France in July in what he said would “probably” be his last race.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer was among those to pay tribute to “a truly brilliant sportsman” at the time.

But after receiving his honor from the Prince of Wales at Windsor Castle in October, Sir Mark said: “It will be really nice to run as Knight Commander.”

In an Instagram post before Sunday’s race, he posted a video that read: “My racing career… has ended it.”

He added: “Sunday will be the last race of my professional cycling career.

“I have been lucky enough to have been able to do what I love for almost 20 years and I can now say that I have achieved everything I could on motorcycling.

“Cycling has given me so much and I love this sport, I have always wanted to make a difference and now I am ready to see what the next chapter has in store for me.

“Thank you everyone for all your support, always. Cav.”

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Sir Mark, whose professional cycling career began in 2005, was originally due to retire in 2023 but postponed it until after crash during that year’s Tour de France.

He has recorded 166 career road victories, including the world title in 2011, stages of all three Grand Tours and the Milan-San Remo in 2009.

He also won an omnium silver medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics, a Commonwealth scratch gold medal in 2006 representing the Isle of Man, and is a three-time track world champion in Madison.

Speaking after his eventual victory, he said: “I’ve always loved this sport, especially the Tour de France… it’s not just a bike race… it’s what people dream of. kids, this is what adults dream of, this is what you pretend to do when you practice.”

He added: “I’m really looking forward to seeing what the rest of my career has in store for me, but not on a bike and I look forward to seeing everyone again soon.”