Mark Cavendish secured the BBC personality award for the year
Mark Cavendish secured the BBC personality award after one of his career’s best performances during the 2011 season.
His biggest achievement for the 2011 season was back in September, as he became the UCI World Champion in Copenhagen.
Mark stated, "I am absolutely speechless, I had a group of guys who rode at Copenhagen who brought the rainbow jersey back to Britain after nearly half a century and that is a massive thing. Even to be nominated in the top 10 is an incredible thing".
Cavendish was shortlisted for the final list of ten athletes, together with three golfers, two cricketers, two athletes, one boxer and one tennis player.
The three golfers were: Darren Clarke, Luke Donald and Rory Mcllroy as Alastair Cook and Andrew Strauss were the two nominated cricketers for the honours.
The two nominated athletes players were: Mo Farah and Dai Greene as Amir Khan, Andy Murray and Mark Cavendish were the only boxing, tennis and cycling shortlisted players, respectively.
The renowned British golfer Darren Clarke secured the second place whereas athletics player Mo Farah held the third spot.
Mark shared his thoughts on winning the honour as he said, "I'm absolutely speechless but without my team this would not be possible. This award is a landmark for cycling. For cycling to be recognised in a non-Olympic year is unheard of".
Cavendish received a total number of 169,152 votes (49.47 %), Darren Clarke 42,188 (12.34%), Mo Farah 29,780(8.71%), Luke Donald 23,854(6.98%) and Andy Murray 18,754(5.48%).
Earlier, the 26-year-old received his MBE from Queen Elizabeth II on November 30th, 2011, he was informed about the honour on Queen’s Birthday Honours on 11th June.
Cavendish rode for Team HTC-Highroad in 2011and will ride for the British squad, Team Sky, for the 2012 season after a big money transfer deal.
He will be accompanied by Bradley Wiggins, Geraint Thomas, Sir Chris Hoy and Victoria Pendleton in the new team.
The cyclist is keen to defend his rainbow jersey in the season ahead. He is positive for the London Olympics and will try to secure the gold at the event.
Only time will tell if Mark manages to make an impact at the home Olympics as he is surely one of the hot favourites for the occasion.
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