“After an extremely enjoyable and successful couple of weeks at the Tour de France with Team Dimension Data, it is with great sadness that I took the decision today to leave the race,” a statement on the team’s website read.

“After the heat and intensity of the previous stages, we analysed my fatigue levels and decided I’m at a point that would have a detrimental effect on my other big goal for the year, the Olympic Games.

“To leave a race and organisation that I hold so much respect for and a team that I have such a special bond with, has not been an easy decision at all.

One of the hardest decisions I’ve had to make in my career. I won’t be starting @letour tomorrow.. https://t.co/uefXjMaNbg

— Mark Cavendish (@MarkCavendish) July 19, 2016

“I want to say thank you to them, along with all the fans for their support and encouragement, today and over the past 16 stages.

“I wish Team Dimension Data for Qhubeka and all the other competitors luck in the final few days into Paris, a special place that I will definitely miss the emotions of this year.”

Team principal Douglas Ryder paid tribute to the Manxman’s performances at the Tour, concluding: “He has been a great team leader over the past two weeks and a great ambassador for everyone involved in this team and for the greater cause we ride for.

“Mark is really sad to leave the tour [but] we are committed to support him in his goal of receiving a medal for Britain at the Rio Olympic Games.”