Record-chasing Mark Cavendish aims to block out sentiment in his final Tour de France    

Mark Cavendish insists he cannot let sentiment get in the way of his quest for history at his last Tour de France.

The 38-year-old will line-up in Bilbao on Saturday for his 14th and final Tour needing one more stage win to surpass Eddy Merckx and hold the outright record for victories at the race.

Cavendish, though, knows he must be fully focused and keep his emotions in check if he wants to end his career on a high in France.

‘I’ve still got a job to do,’ said the Astana Qazaqstan rider.

‘I know I’ll regret not living in the moment and enjoying things. This race gives you the most incredible emotions. 

Mark Cavendish (above) insists he cannot let sentiment get in the way of his quest for history

The 38-year-old will line-up in Bilbao on Saturday for his 14th and final Tour de France

‘Unfortunately, you don’t analyse it and appreciate them until afterwards.

‘I know it’s my last one but it’s the same. I can’t really afford those little moments of sentiment, but I can definitely appreciate them later.’

Cavendish is famously reluctant to speak about the stage-win record and when asked how it would feel to surpass Merckx with a 35th success, the Manxman responded: ‘In all honesty, I don’t know. I just want to try and win as much as I can. I’m sorry.’