Cavendish BBC Sports Personality Of The Year

Last updated : 23 December 2011 By Kev Monks

Mark Cavendish was tonight named the BBC Sports Personality Of The Year.

The elite mens World Champion, who won five stages in the Tour De France in what was another successful year for the HTC Highroad rider who will ride for Team Sky in 2012, received the title at the Awards Ceremony in Salford

Cavendish received more public votes ( polled 169,152 (49.47%) of the vote) to beat Darren Clarke, third place Mo Farah, as well as the likes of Andy Murray, Amir Khan and Andrew Strauss.

He was presented with the award by Sir Bobby Charlton and Tanya Gray Thompson. 

Tweeting about the award, Cav said:"Well I am lost for words. Humbling to receive such support. Congrats to all the other nominees & thank you to everyone who voted."

Sir Steve Redgrave won a lifetime achievement award and the England Cricket team won the Team Award, whilst Lauren Taylor from Rugby, won the Young Sports Personality of the Year