Mark Cavendish, who won his record 35th Tour de France stage win in the summer, was knighted Wednesday.

Mark Cavendish, 39, was knighted by Prince William at Windsor Castle. The knighthood is one of the most prestigious in the United Kingdom and is awarded to individuals who have made significant contributions in their respective fields, including sports, the arts, public service, and politics.

“I was really nervous. His Highness was wonderful. To be honest, I didn't expect to be nervous, but I am very proud to be representing my country,” Cavendish said after receiving his knighthood, the BBC reported.

“I'm very lucky to have done what I love for so many years and to see people riding bikes inspired by it.

“It's fantastic. I'm just a young man from the Isle of Man and I never dreamed I'd be a night commander.”

Cavendish also spoke about his future in the sport. He said he plans to compete in more races to finish the 2024 season.

The Tour de France Prudential Criterium in Singapore in November will be the final race of his long and illustrious career.

“There are still races this year. It would be really great to race as a night commander,” said Cavendish, who closed his mouth about continuing his racing career until 2025.

“I've said I'm not going to race the Tour de France anymore. I won't do the Tour de France anymore.”

Cavendish last raced the Tour this summer, when he took a historic stage win at Saint Vurba, his first stage win since 2021 and breaking Eddy Merckx's 49-year-old record.

Cavendish has won stages at the Tour Colombia and Tour de Hongri this year, giving him three of the 11 Astana Cazacstan wins in 2024.