Cavendish won 165 races in his career, including the road world title in 2011, 17 stages in the Giro d’Italia and three in the Vuelta a Espana. He received a knighthood in October.

On the track, he won omnium silver at the 2016 Olympics and was a three-time madison world champion.

Having delayed his retirement by a year, Cavendish broke the record for most Tour de France stage wins with victory in Saint Vulbas in July.

“Cycling is such a form of freedom,” he said. “It’s a way to meet people; it’s a way to be alone with your thoughts. It has so much potential as a sport, a mode of transport, a pastime.

“I’ve always tried to do anything I can to help this move forward and and that won’t stop even if I’m not riding a bike any more. In fact, I might be able to put more into that.

“I’m looking forward to what the rest of my career holds. I couldn’t have wished for a better send-off. I’m so grateful. I hope everyone enjoyed that.”

Alpecin–Deceuninck’s Jasper Philipsen finished second and Arnaud de Lie third for Lotto–Dstny.