Sir Mark Cavendish raceway renaming this month
BBCThe raceway at the National Sports Centre will be officially renamed after Sir Mark Cavendish later this month, the government has confirmed.
The cycleway in the Isle of Man's capital was where the Tour de France stage win record holder first started cycling competitively as a child.
An event on 27 June will see Sir Mark complete a timed "hot lap" of the 0.6-mile (1km) circuit, before school children and members of his former cycling club join him for a ride-out lap.
The Manx Missile, who will officially open the newly renamed raceway, said it was "where it all began for me, so it's a very special place".
The 39-year-old became the most successful stage winner in Tour de France history in July last year when he took his 35th victory, having claimed 135 career wins.
The project has been designed to celebrate Sir Mark's legacy by encouraging the next generation to take up the sport, while recognising the place where his journey began, a government spokesman said.
The project includes a mural featuring the names of hundreds of pupils as well as a new podium, finish lines and signage, which would also be unveiled at the launch event.
Inspired by a quote from the cyclist reflecting on his experience before childhood races "I dreamt of being like my heroes", the line is featured in the artwork.
Sir Mark said the raceway was where he "fell in love with cycling" and the was "deeply moved by the thought and detail that has gone into every element" of the mural.
The project has seen children nominate their own heroes, design banners and submit questions for the event, with a select few chosen to interview him about his life and career.
The cycling legend took part in a similar event last summer when he participated in a lap of honour on the first time he returned to the island after breaking the record.
Daphne Caine, Education, Sport and Culture Minister said the cyclist was a "fantastic role model" adding that "young people are truly at the heart of this".
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