Triple Top For Cyclists at SPOTY As Hoy Takes Top Honour

BBC Sports Personality of the Year: December 14 2008

Chris Hoy arrives at the ceremony with girlfriend Sarra Kemp

Chris Hoy is the 2008 BBC Sports Personality of the Year, capping an unbelievable evening for the GB Cycling Team, which saw them pick up three headline awards.

Chris received a huge ovation when he was presented with his award by that other great Olympian Steve Redgrave. He then made an emotional but controlled speech, opening up by thanking the crowd "for that long applause - it's given me a bit of time to think of something to say, because I really wasn't expecting this."

And it was clear from his reaction, that he was genuinely surprised: "This is just such a shock. And after the year I've had and the whole team has had, to be crowned sports personality of the year just means so much. This is the big one and it's unbelievable."

He went on to pay tribute to his family and to the GB team: "I wouldn't be standing here without them. It's been a fantastic year for cycling. - the support we have from the team is incredible!"

It was a well-judged mixture of genuine humbleness at the popularity which has enveloped him in 2008 and a fine appreciation of the achievements of others during this remarkable year for British sport. It showed again just what a superb ambassador Chris is for the sport.

With Lewis Hamilton and Rebecca Adlington second and third, it was the top three anticipated by so many pundits. Indeed, many made Chris third favourite behind the other two, but the tide had been running in cycling's favour all evening.

First to be recognised, and the recipient of one of the biggest cheers of the night, was GB Team boss Dave Brailsford who picked up the Coach of the Year award. Dave immediately dedicated it to the riders and backroom staff, emphasising once again what a tight knit unit the team are.

"I can't believe I'm here to be honest" he said, as the applause died down. "I know it's an individual award, but there's only one reason I'm here and it's because I've got a fantastic team. I've got unbelievable riders, both able bodied and paralympic, a fantastic coaching team, great support from British Cycling. I'm just here to pick it up on their behalf."

Victoria Pendleton - one of the team's "unbelievable" riders

And when the Team of the Year also went to the GB Olympic cyclists, one of those "unbelievable" riders, Victoria Pendleton, accepted the award and couldn't wait to dedicate it to the whole team: "It's an honour to be here amongst so many sporting heroes. It's not only for us and those who ride our bikes but everyone behind us - our support is very strong and they give as much as we do to make us as successful as we are, so I'd just like to say thank you to all those guys as well."

More pics from the SPOTY red carpet

Rebecca Romero

Geraint Thomas

Wendy Houvenaghel

Hugh and Anita Porter

Peter King and Brian Cookson

Chris Newton

Dave Brailsford, Ed Clancy, Jason Kenny, Paul Manning and significant others!