Follow britishcycling.org.uk on

Cavendish Recognised In Queen's Birthday Honours List

Posted July 10 2011

Great Britain Cycling Team's Mark Cavendish has been appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the 2011 Queen's Birthday Honours List for his services to British Cycling.

A product of British Cycling's Academy Programme, Mark rose to prominence as a sprinter on the road in 2007 when, in his first full season as a professional, he notched up an impressive 11 wins and five Points Jerseys in major races beating some established riders including Robbie McEwan and Tom Boonen along the way.

Since then, Mark hasn't slowed down winning numerous stages in prestigious events, including all three of the Grand Tours - a feat only achieved by one other Briton (Robert Millar). Mark has also won an unprecedented 15 stages of the Tour de France so far in his career.

The ‘Manx Missile' has also enjoyed success in the Velodrome, becoming World Champion in the Madison with Rob Hayles in 2005, and again with Bradley Wiggins in 2008. Mark was also proud to represent the Isle of Man in 2006, bringing home the Gold medal in the Scratch race.

Mark's 2011 season has seen him win the final stage of the Tour of Oman, the Grote Scheldeprijs and two stages of the Giro d'Italia in which he also wore the Pink Jersey.

Speaking of his MBE, Mark said: "I'm absolutely over the moon to receive an honour like this - I'm so proud my achievements have been recognised. Thanks to everyone who has supported me over the years and I hope I can continue to perform at my best to do my MBE proud!"

Dave Brailsford, Performance Director at British Cycling said: "It's fantastic that Mark's achievements have been recognised in this way. It's a testament to his successes to date and an acknowledgement of his standing as one of the greatest road sprinters the sport has seen. As a nation, we are lucky to have a rider of this calibre."

British Cycling President, Brian Cookson said: "Mark has been one of the outstanding cyclists of the last few years and is richly deserving of this honour. I'd like to congratulate him on behalf of everyone at British Cycling."