UCI Road World Champion Mark Cavendish has been named Most Inspirational Sportsman of the Year whilst rising star Crystal Lane was named the Jaguar Academy of Sport Star of the Future at the Jaguar Academy of Sport Annual Awards.

Crystal Lane, who was named the Jaguar Academy of Sport Star of the Future, poses with Dave Brailsford

Cavendish became the first British rider to win the green jersey in this year’s Tour de France before going onto become world champion in Copenhagen, Denmark, in September.

Lane, from Retford, competes in the C5 para-cycling category and took bronze medal at the Para-Cycling Road Championships behind teammate and world champion Sarah Storey. She has won four out of five of her international appearances for Great Britain and also won the C5 500m Time Trial at the British National Track Championships. Crystal also finished within the top 20 cyclists at the able-bodied British National Track Championships 2010.

In receipt of the award, Cavendish said: "A complete surprise! When you see some of the names that were up for nomination, it's pretty special.

“Cycling's still a growing sport, and to be a cyclist and be inspirational, that's a pretty big thing. For someone to watch what we do and actually appreciate it, which hasn't always been the case in the past, that's a big thing. It's a lovely evening."

On receiving Star of the Future Award Lane commented: “It’s fantastic to have won a Special Recognition Award but to win the Star of the Future Award too is just great – I really didn’t expect it. The Academy has provided me with so much support this year, which has definitely helped me progress in my sport.

“The mentoring programme has been very helpful and to be able to meet so many key people within the world of British sport is truly inspiring. Hearing their journey and how they have overcome issues has provided me with some great advice and will definitely help me on my way to Rio 2016.”