Believe: Achieving the Impossible

by Mark Cavendish

The final word on a record-breaking career from cycling's most formidable sprinter.

Mark Cavendish is the stand-out British cyclist of our most golden generation. With his 35th Tour de France win in 2024, he became the outright all-time record holder for the most stage victories at the world's greatest cycling event. Breaking the record that had lasted for 48 years, Cavendish carved his name into history.

In this definitive autobiography, he provides an intimate account of his exhilarating career, transporting readers to his most unforgettable racing moments. With incredible photographic accuracy and insight, Cavendish recalls his final poignant victories of the Tour de France, sealing his legacy as one of the greatest road racers of all time.

Yet for all the once-in-a-generation talent and success, Mark has always been candid about the personal battle that it has taken to achieve greatness, and his story is one of struggle, sacrifice and the power of human determination. This compelling autobiography offers a rare perspective into the true psyche of a champion. Giving his definitive account with a fully reflective perspective, Mark tells the whole truth about himself and the era of cycling that he has graced.

320 pages, Hardcover

Published July 7, 2026

Reviews

[Mat Greener]

Mark Cavendish account of going for victory number 35 at the tour de France when most people didn't believe he would achieve it . incredibly long career for any sportsman let alone a cycling sprinter when usually they are only at the top for a few years

[Michelle]

Really enjoyed reading Believe: Achieving the Impossible by Mark Cavendish. The racing stories were great and give a good insight into what it’s like competing at the top level, especially in the Tour de France.

I also liked the parts about his relationship with Gleb Ryzhov and how he took him under his wing – it added a really personal side to the story.

I already knew a bit about Cavendish from watching a few documentaries, but the book gave a better understanding of the challenges he went through, especially with Epstein–Barr virus and how the media can sometimes create their own narrative.

Definitely recommend it if you enjoy the Tour de France and want a bit more insight into Mark Cavendish himself.

[Tara]

Cav is a cycling legend and the pride of the Isle of Man and in this book he details how, against the odds, he achieved a Tour de France stage win record. The first part of the book mainly deals with negotiations with teams which I didn't find that interesting but my admiration grows as Cav details the difficult circumstances he encountered subsequently. I particularly enjoyed reading about "the Cavendish method" which seemed wonderfully Manx to me.

[Robbie Tyrie]

Before starting this book you can probably tell what’s in it - some background, something not going right, a crash, the comeback, the stage win that this book is about, and then some words about the state of cycling to end it.
Nice book, typical Cav style which is enjoyable and pretty straightforward to read. 307 pages read in one day. Simple.

[Barry Bridges]

Even reading about these final years of Mark’s career brings up the emotions of that”35”. A true hero with the greatest finish of them all.

[M Guest]

A must for the true cycling fans or anyone who loved watching this legend sprint

Inspirational

[Paul Short]

Signed edition