BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2008

tom simpson

The last cyclist to win BBC Sports personality of the year was Tom Simpson in 1965 (who won the World Road Race Championships). Interestingly Beryl Burton was second in 1967

Cycling is not the highest profile sport so even successful cyclists struggle to get onto the radar of the general public who vote. However, the World track Championships (held in Manchester) and the successful Beijing Olympics have pushed cycling into the limelight. If nothing else the British cycling squad are deserving of the award for best team.

For the prestigious sports personality of the year, there are potentially 5 or 6 cyclists who could make a good claim. It is certainly an extraordinary year. I wonder whether a cyclist could win or whether the ‘cycling’ vote will be split between the 6 candidates.

Chris Hoy. My narrow choice for the title would be Chris Hoy. Chris won 3 Olympic Golds in 3 different disciplines. Not bad for a cyclist who had his favourite discipline (1Km pursuit) axed after his gold in Athens. Chris was simply dominant in the sprints. He also seems to be a great guy and true Olympian; his encouragement for the younger members of the squad seemed genuine. A great athlete, most successful Olympian of 2008 and a genuine sportsmen to boot. Would be a worthy winner.

Nicole Cooke. After ranking no.1 in the female UCI rankings, I’m glad Nicole Cooke was able to gain the recognition she deserved by winning the Women’s Road Race. A passionate cyclist who has helped put women’s road racing on the map. Still may struggle to win because women’s road racing is less prestigious than men’s road racing

Bradley Wiggins. 2 Golds in the individual pursuit and Team Pursuit (including a new world record). Bradley Wiggins typifies the professionalism of the GB squad. Also has moved to the professional road scene riding in this year’s Tour. Could be Britain’s most successful Olympian ever if he competes in London 2012

Victoria Pendleton. If the result was determined by keyword searches to this blog, Victoria would win by a country mile. She has certainly captivated the non cycling public showing that cyclists are more than just bulging muscles, lycra and silly pointy hats (being beautiful and posing for glamorous pictures certainly helps get you noticed beyond the cycling community). For those who remember the drug fuelled testosterone filled Eastern European female sprinters from the 70s and 80s seeing Victoria Pendleton win is more than just relief. However, glamour aside, Victoria’s results on the track give her a good case for winning. Triple world champion at Manchester, she would surely have won more than one gold medal if Women had more Olympic sprint disciplines. May suffer from the relative newness and lack of prestige behind women’s sprints.

Rebecca Romero. Another Gold medalist. Rebecca’s gold in the 4km pursuit complements her silver in rowing from Athens. It is a remarkable transition from one sport to a completely different one.

Mark Cavendish. Mark’s 4 stage victories in the Tour de France and 2 stage victories in the Giro probably mean more in some cycling circles than any Olympic gold on the track. If he stays injury free he is destined to be Britain’s most successful cyclist. However, I can’t seem him winning the BBC award with no medal from the Olympics.



One Response to BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2008

  1. gareth reed December 15, 2008 at 3:42 pm #

    hoy deserved to win the award and as a man u fan
    i am happy that sir Bobby Charlton won the other prize

    well done to all the the winner and i wish them all a merry xmas and a happy new year

    thank you

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