Cycling legend Sir Mark Cavendish shifts gears with WRC in Greece

Cavendish, one of the greatest cyclists of all time, swapped his usual competitive terrain for the WRC’s 10th round, based in the central Greek city of Lamia. The Isle of Man native spent time with some of the sport’s top talents, gaining a unique perspective into the high-adrenaline world of rallying.

On Wednesday (4 September), Cavendish joined a host of WRC drivers including eight-time world champion Sébastien Ogier for a scenic bike ride through the stunning Greek countryside. This morning, the cycling icon switched from two wheels to four, strapping into Ogier’s Toyota GR Yaris Rally1 Hybrid for a high-speed shakedown ride.

“That was one of the best things I’ve ever done,” Cavendish beamed after his rally car experience. “Seeing the best drivers in the world – not the best rally drivers – the best drivers full-stop, doing what they do was an amazing experience.

“The similarities are actually striking [between rallying and cycling]… anyone who drives a car thinks they can drive a rally car and anyone who rides a bike thinks they can ride the Tour de France, but when you see it up close and you see what they do, it really sets the best apart.

“I think the most important thing for both rally and cycling is the fans – they are part of the stage, and they can get as close to the action as possible. That’s what special, that’s what’s humble and that’s what keeps it real in these sports.”

Cavendish’s excitement was echoed by Ogier, who appreciated the chance to share his world with a fellow top-level athlete and equally enjoyed getting a glimpse into Cavendish's sport during their bike ride.

“It was a very enjoyable moment,” he said. “I love to share experiences with other sportspeople, especially when they are legends. It’s amazing what this guy has achieved in cycling.

“I can feel it a little bit in my legs today, but I think for [Mark] it was a little more his chest area that is pumping!”

EKO Acropolis Rally Greece officially begins later today and features 15 demanding stages spanning over 300 kilometres of competitive action. The event will showcase iconic WRC tests such as Tarzan and Aghii Theodori before Sunday afternoon’s finish.