Cycling's success at BBC Sports Personality Awards

Cycling has had a fantastic year and the awards received at the BBC Sports Personality gave recognition to all our cyclists’ achievements.

Cornwall enjoyed Wendy Houvenhagel's success as she collected the team award; particularly after she won a silver medal in the Beijing Olympics in her first final, having only taken up full time cycling two years ago.

"Her attitude has been outstanding and has always been available despite busy schedules to support her home cycling clubs in the county. When an Olympian remembers grassroots sport you know that you have a true champion," said John Trott, Chairman of the Oneandallcycling Club.

“On a night when the big sports were respectful and proud of the cycling awards is a mark of how far the sport has come in the last few years. Cornwall has seen a growth in events and participation in cycling and Wendy is a role model for all,” commented Michael Beadel from Bike Cornwall.

He continues: “We are looking to riders like Wendy to showcase all the good work that is happening in Cornwall with cycling and we look forward to developing cycling programmes over the next few years - maybe helping us find the next Wendy.”

At the event, Wendy was asked on her thoughts: “It’s so good to be part of a winning team. We have trained very long hours and worked hard to achieve our successes. I have found Chris Hoy to be an incredible role model, supporter and friend, and his award tonight as Sports Personality of the Year is very well deserved.”

David Brailsford also won an award for Coach of the Year: “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 have some unbelievable riders, both able bodied and paralympic, a fantastic coaching team, and great support from British Cycling. I'm just here to pick it up on their behalf."

The message from British Cycling is clear; if you want to be involved, join.

The final word from Wendy was: “I will be back home over the winter months training from my base, getting ready for the world championships in March ‘09, and I look forward to cycling those Cornish roads that have served me so well.”