CHIEF Minister Allan Bell has joined the ranks of those congratulating Mark Cavendish on his victory in the BBC’s Sports Personality of the Year award last night.
Cav joined the ranks of sporting legends when he won the trophy, polling an astonishing 169,152 votes, 49.47 per cent of all cast and four times as many as runner-up Darren Clarke.
An emotional Cav thanked everyone ‘here and back home’ when he received the award.
Chief Minister Allan Bell said: ‘On behalf of the people of the Isle of Man I’d like to add my congratulations to Mark on yet another magnificent sporting achievement. The BBC award is held in very high regard and his success is a fitting finale to a truly exceptional year.
‘Mark is a great ambassador for the Isle of Man and a fantastic role model to our young sportsmen and women. He has proved that people from a small country such as the Isle of Man can dominate on the international stage if they have the ability, determination and support. As a nation, we work hard to create an environment that fosters talent and allows our young people to flourish.’
Mr Bell added: ‘Millions of viewers watched the BBC1 show which once again demonstrates how Mark’s success is helping to raise awareness of the Isle of Man across the world. This latest accolade is well deserved and I hope his winning run extends into 2012 and the London Olympics.’