E82 - Mark Cavendish: Navigating slippery descents and climbing personal mountains

We launch Series 6 with the ‘Manx Missile’ Mark Cavendish, cycling’s greatest sprinter of all time.

Mark sprinted into the history books on Stage 13 of the Tour de France in 2021, by equalling Eddy Merckx’s record of 34 stage wins at the Tour, a record that has been held since 1975.

It has been an extraordinary comeback for Mark, arguably one the greatest in sports history, as he has battled depression, illness and injury. 

Get the notebooks ready, and listen to Mark speak like he’s never done before on his lessons and learnings of high performance. 

. . . . . . . 

Thank you to our founding partner Lotus Cars who are back for the new series! Lotus we love you, and wouldn’t be here without you! Check them out at lotuscars.com 

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# Series 6, Episode 1: Mark Cavendish: The Manx Missile

## Introduction

* Mark Cavendish, also known as the "Manx Missile," joins the High Performance Podcast for the first episode of Series 6.
* Cavendish, a cycling legend, recently equaled Eddy Merckx's record of 34 stage wins at the Tour de France, a record that had stood since 1975.
* Cavendish's remarkable comeback is considered one of the greatest in sports history, as he battled depression, illness, and injury.

## High-Performance Mindset

* Cavendish defines high performance as always striving to be the best and achieving something extra, even when you're not at your best.
* His competitive nature, which he's had since childhood, drives him to win and be the best in everything he does.
* Cavendish's competitive spirit and love for cycling led him to recognize his talent early on and set his sights on becoming a professional cyclist.

## Nature vs. Nurture

* Cavendish acknowledges the role of both nature and nurture in his success.
* His parents were supportive of all his endeavors, encouraging him to pursue different sports and activities.
* Cavendish sees his youngest son, Casper, exhibiting similar competitive instincts and a natural understanding of cycling, despite being around it the least.

## Identifying Rivals' Weaknesses

* Cavendish studied his rivals to identify their weaknesses and tendencies, which he used to his advantage in races.
* He admits to using mental fragility as a tactic to gain an edge over his competitors.

## Mental Health Journey

* Cavendish reflects on his past views on mental health, admitting that he once considered depression to be a weakness and an excuse.
* He experienced a significant mental health struggle in recent years, which led to a diagnosis of clinical depression and Epstein-Barr virus.
* Cavendish highlights the importance of empathy and understanding for people going through mental health challenges.

## Lessons from Depression

* Cavendish emphasizes the value of talking to someone who has experienced similar mental health issues for a clearer perspective.
* He found talking to a psychologist who had a different approach to be beneficial, as it didn't involve sympathy or judgment.
* Cavendish recommends adopting a proactive approach, focusing on identifying what needs to be done to improve rather than dwelling on what's wrong.

## Coping Mechanisms for Mental Health

* Cavendish's coping mechanism for dealing with intrusive thoughts is to recognize them as tricks and dismiss them as such.
* He emphasizes the power of this approach in managing negative thoughts and preventing them from spiraling out of control.

## Conclusion

* Cavendish's remarkable comeback and his journey through mental health challenges serve as an inspiration for others facing similar struggles.
* His insights on high performance, competitive spirit, and mental resilience offer valuable lessons for athletes and individuals seeking to achieve their full potential.

**Podcast Episode Summary:**

The podcast episode features Mark Cavendish, a renowned cyclist known as the "Manx Missile" and the greatest sprinter in cycling history. Mark recently made a remarkable comeback by equaling Eddy Merckx's record of 34 stage wins at the Tour de France, a record that had stood for nearly five decades.

Mark's journey to success was not without challenges. He battled depression, illness, and injuries, which forced him to take a break from cycling. During this difficult period, Mark found solace in positive mental images and manifestations, believing that if he could write a good story and believe in it, he could make it a reality.

Mark emphasizes the importance of open communication when struggling with mental health issues. He encourages people to seek support and surround themselves with loved ones to help them cope with their struggles. He also highlights the significance of having a diagnosis, as it can provide a sense of validation and help individuals understand and manage their condition better.

In 2021, Mark received a call to participate in the Tour de France with only five days' notice. Despite the short preparation time, Mark's belief in his abilities remained unshaken. He didn't think he could win, but he was determined to be competitive. Mark's unwavering belief and the support of his team led him to achieve multiple stage wins and equal Merckx's record.

Mark attributes his success to his unwavering belief in himself and his rigorous training regimen. He emphasizes the importance of setting targets, following a structured training program, and understanding the science behind performance. Mark also acknowledges the role of his coach in helping him develop a comprehensive training plan and providing valuable insights into his performance.

Reflecting on his career, Mark admits that he has always been relentless in his pursuit of success. He sets high standards for himself and doesn't allow himself to become complacent. Mark finds motivation in making his children proud and believes that this purpose has given his victories a deeper meaning.

When asked about dealing with doubters, Mark emphasizes the importance of self-belief and knowing one's own capabilities. He believes that external opinions should not deter individuals from pursuing their goals. Mark also highlights the significance of surrounding oneself with people who are committed to their work and share similar values.

Mark's three non-negotiable behaviors for those who want to be part of his circle are commitment, passion, and teamwork. He believes that these qualities are essential for achieving success and fostering a positive and productive environment.

If Mark could go back to one moment in his life, he would choose the time when he first realized that he had the potential to be a successful cyclist. This realization gave him the confidence and motivation to pursue his dreams and ultimately achieve greatness in the sport.

# High Performance Podcast: Mark Cavendish - The Manx Missile
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### Summary
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In this episode of the High Performance Podcast, Mark Cavendish, also known as the 'Manx Missile,' joins hosts Damian Hughes and Jake Humphrey for a candid conversation about his remarkable career as one of the greatest sprinters in cycling history. The discussion delves into Cavendish's journey from battling depression, illness, and injury to achieving unprecedented success on the world stage. With honesty and vulnerability, Cavendish shares lessons and insights on high performance, emphasizing the importance of enjoying what you do, setting goals, and never giving up.

### Key Points
* **Embrace Vulnerability:** Cavendish openly discusses his struggles with mental health and physical challenges, highlighting the significance of acknowledging and addressing these issues rather than hiding them.
* **Enjoy the Process:** Cavendish stresses the importance of finding joy in the journey, even during difficult times. He emphasizes that true success comes from loving what you do, not just focusing on the end result.
* **Set Goals and Persevere:** Cavendish emphasizes the power of setting clear goals and relentlessly pursuing them. He shares his belief in the importance of not giving up, even when faced with setbacks and failures.
* **Legacy and Impact:** Cavendish reflects on his legacy and the impact he wants to leave on the sport of cycling. He expresses his desire to be remembered as a cyclist who inspired others and made a positive contribution to the sport.
* **Golden Rule for High Performance:** Cavendish shares his golden rule for living a high-performance life: enjoy what you do and never give up on your goals, whether they succeed or not.

### Memorable Quotes
* "You have to enjoy what you're doing. You don't always love it, or it can be hard work, but you have to enjoy what you're doing." - Mark Cavendish
* "Do not give up, don't give up a session. Don't give up a goal. Like you see them through to the end whether they're successful or not." - Mark Cavendish
* "There's two. Go on then. You have to enjoy what you're doing. You don't always love it or it can be hard work, but you have to love it. It's a passion. You have to do that. And do not give up, don't give up a session. Don't give up a goal." - Mark Cavendish

### Impact and Significance
Mark Cavendish's appearance on the High Performance Podcast is a powerful reminder of the importance of vulnerability, perseverance, and enjoying the journey towards success. His candid discussion about his struggles and triumphs offers valuable insights for anyone striving to achieve high performance in their own lives. The episode highlights the significance of embracing challenges, setting goals, and never giving up, regardless of the obstacles one may encounter.