Mark Cavendish equals Eddy Merckx's all-time record stage wins at Tour de France

Cav claimed his 34th stage victory, equalling Belgium's Eddy Merckx's all time record.

The Manx rider claimed the 34th stage victory of his Tour career when he crossed the finish line in Carcassonne to win the 13th stage of this year's race.

Cavendish could yet surpass Merckx's record, with two more sprints in the final week, ending with the Champs-Elysees finale in Paris, where Cavendish has won a record four times.

Cav turned professional in 2005 and was selected for his first Tour de France, but abandoned the race at stage eight as it reached the Alps.

In 2008, he won four stages and came first in six stages the following year.