English
As predicted by bookies all over the country, the Manx missile Mark Cavendish has added a well deserved BBC Sports Personality of the Year award to his impressive haul of trophys in 2011.
The line up for the 2011 #SPOTY was controversial with its total lack of female presence in the top ten shortlist over shadowing the tremendous efforts that many of this years choice had delivered.
Athletes such as Chrissie Wellington, Helen Jenkins and Keri Anne Payne (Who presented an award) have all had truly outstanding seasons and it was a shock not to see them on the stage but niche sports and in particular womens niche sports have never had great representation at the awards, hopefully something that will change in 2012 when the BBC review the shortlisting process (and hopefully get rid of a few of the publications that submit extremely biased lists).
Controversy aside Cavendish faced tough competition from public favourites like Andy Murray, Rory McIlroy and the exceptional Mo Farah. McIlroy’s US Open win at such a young age was certainly note worthy and Farah’s dominance of 5k and 10k + wins in 3k and Cross Country were thoroughly deserving of accolade.
Mark’s introduction video was a great reminder of his stage wins, green jersey victory and of course the world champs. There was some comedic relief from the drama with interviews from British Cycling & Sky team mate Geraint Thomas & Sir Alan Sugar (a keen cyclist himself) – Geraint recalled Team GB considering cutting him from the team for being ‘a bit chunky’!
The videos for the other athletes ranged from the emotional (Darren Clarke) to the ridiculous (Luke Donald, the deathstar & a lightsaber) and each of the nominees clearly had plenty of audience support.
Baroness Tanni Grey Thompson & Sir Bobby Charlton finally took to the stage to announce the winner & after presenting Clarke & Farah with runner up trophies name Cavendish as the sports personality of the year.
Cavendish seemed truly speechless to start with and quite emotional, when he did speak he praised his GB team mates for his win in Copenhagen & then remarked at the inconceivability of the award going to a cyclist in a non Olympic year and a road cyclist at that. He shared with the audience that he was excited to see more people out on their bikes in the UK than ever before and believes that even the average commuter can feel a small part of the pain of riding a Tour de France.
Cycling’s growing popularity and acceptance as mainstream sport in Britain have certainly helped Cav win this award but at the end of the day his amazing will power, strength and skill have led him to the top of the sport, I can’t wait to see what he does in 2012!
Huge congratulations go to Mark Cavendish
Brilliant to see such an awesome athlete be recognised by the nation – a true role model and legend and, at a relatively tender age, he has plenty of years of winning ahead of him! Fully deserved :-)
I was in tears when they announced Cav as the winner. Finally, the sport I have loved for the last 35 years has been recognised as a sport that we have world class winners in, after all those years of being ridiculed and belittled. Cav is a class act, humble but confident, controversial but able to recognise his frailties. Add in the fact that he could possibly go on to even greater things and you have the perfect SPOTY. Big congrats to him and well done mister!
I did not expect a cyclist to win when the main British Sports are Football and Cricket.
But I was hoping to see Cav win! And my wish came true!!!
I myself have been cycling for over sixty years, I know what a great sport cycling is.
I do not live in the UK anymore, when I see many of the bike accidents in the UK, I am very glad to be living in Switzerland, where we have great cycle paths, and where motorist respect cyclists!
I wish everyone a great year of cycling for 2012.
Absolutely brilliant, Congratulations Cav. And a well deserved runner up in Lee Clarke.
I thought Cav’s initial nervousness in his acceptance speech showed his surprise, but it was wonderful when he got into his stride that he acknowledged and thanked all his team mates who assisted him to achieve what has undoubtedly been an outstanding year. Lets hope he can win Gold next year after hopefully another successful tour.
I would also like to say how thoughtful it was for Cav to mention the everyday cyclists out there, the commuters and the keen cyclists who try to emulate their hero’s. Guys like Cav and Wiggins are the real sports role models and said a positive signal to young athletes in Britain.
Well done again and good luck for next year. Just need to top it off with a British Tour winner now!!!
Cav got my vote the minute the lines were open and I punched the air when his name was read out by Tanni. At last Cav and his team have been recognised for what is truly a fantastic achievement and a sporting/recreational activity I have loved for over 30 years. At last this country is waking up to what France and Italy have known for years – cycling is a great sport and we have one of the best in Mark Cavendish. Good luck in 2012.
What I like about Cav is that at every step of the way he acknowledges the contributions of his team mates. He always says “we managed to bring home the Rainbow jersey!” and that’s what made him a class act!
Good to see Cav picking up the award. The world cycling event was the most exciting sports event of 2011. Cycling is clearly now a major sport in the UK.
Congratulations to Cav from Slovakia ! Incredible achievements. Recently we had a similar awarding ceremony here and our Peter Sagan came in third, so those of us who love cycling are pleased just as you people are that cycling is becoming more recognized and more popular. I wish Cav and all of you a Merry Christmas and all the best for the New Year and beyond. Cheers,
George
No pain- no gain? Well this young man surely showed us what true grit the youth of today are made of! Well done Cav , a truly brilliant performance, I do believe theres more to come from this great sportsman.Well done.
Congratulations Cav, I also voted for you as soon as the lines were open, and I am pleased the right man won on the night. As far as 2011 goes you certainly produced the goods, but still humble enough to recognise the huge contribution your team mates made whenever you are interviewed. As a keen cyclist myself I truely believe you are the greatest ambassador for the sport and for others to try and emulate. Well done.