Mark Cavendish has become only the third cyclist ever to win the coveted BBC Sports Personality of the year award. He finished ahead of Darren Clarke, and Mo Farah.
Cavendish, winner of the green jersey at this years Tour de France, won almost 50% of the public vote on Thursday night. It caps a remarkable year for the 26 year old Manxman, after his Tour de France exploits and his historic win in the World Road Race, becoming the first Briton to win the race in 46 years. Commenting on the award, Cavendish said: "It's absolutely a dream come true. I work hard for my sport, I work hard to achieve success, but what makes this special is it's bestowed on me by the British public, and that's what makes it such an honour" "It's humbling for me, this is the third year in a row I've been in the top 10." Cavendish has been instrumental in building interest in cycling, after a boom in track cycling interest after the 2008 Olympics, Cavendish's exploits in the Tour de France, in particular his exciting sprinting style, have made road racing a popular viewing sport too. "It makes me incredibly happy and so proud that I can play a part in making cycling a maintstream sport." Cavendish became the first Briton to win the green jersey this year, which fellow British cyclist David Millar describing him as "The UK's greatest athlete". The rider is leaving his team HTC Highroad, to team up with Dave Brailsford, who led the Team GB to their impressive cycling medal haul in Beijing, at Team Sky. Team Sky will be aiming for both overall and sprint success at the 2012 Tour, with Cavendish going for green, and Brad Wiggins aiming for the overall Yellow jersey. It will be a busy year for Cavendish, following the Tour, he will be lining up on the first day of the London Olympics to compete for the road race, which he expects to win, whilst his girlfriend, former model Peta Todd, is expecting a baby in April. It is set to be a demanding year, but Cavendish is confident that with the backing of his new team it will be rewarding. "With the way my new team is set up there is no danger of me running on empty." Other awards on the night went to: Sir Steve Redgrave - Lifetime Achievement Andy Flower - Coach of the Year England Cricket Team - Team of the Year Novak Djokovic - Overseas Personality of the Year Lauren Taylor - Young Personality of the Year Bob Champion - Helen Rollanson Award Janice Eaglesham and Ian Mirfin - Unsung hero Award If Cavendish completes his dream 2012 of an Olympic Gold Medal, and another green jersey, whilst also closing further in on the legendary cyclist Eddy Mercyx's total of 34 Tour stage wins, Cavendish has 20 so far, placing him 5th on the all time list, then who would bet against him winning again next year?
