Cav passes Ventoux test

MARK CAVENDISH doffed his helmet in tribute to Tom Simpson on MountVentoux

– and today it might be cycling’s turn to celebrate the Manxman.

Sprint legend Cavendish could equal Eddy Merckx’s all-time record of 34 stage wins on the Tour de France after beating the time cut on the Beast of Provence.

If he conquers the 99-mile flat run from Saint-Paul-TroisChateaux to Nimes, Cavendish could even claim his own page in history before the weekend.

Although he finished 40 minutes behind stage 11 winner Wout van Aert, right, after two ascents of Ventoux, Cavendish arrived safely inside the time limit.

His gesture by the STAGE STAR: Belgian Wout van Aert memorial to Briton Simpson, who collapsed and died a mile from the summit in 1967, was a poignant moment in what could turn out to be the race of Cavendish’s life. Defending champion Tadej Pogacar looks all but unassailable after extending his lead in the General Classification to 5min 18secs, with Rigoberto Uran up to second.