British sprinter Mark Cavendish has been awarded with a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the Queen's Birthday Honours list, published on Saturday (June 11).
The Manxman was given the honour for his services to British cycling. Cavendish joins a list of British cyclists who have been honoured by the Queen, including Bradley Wiggins CBE, Sir Chris Hoy MBE, Victoria Pendleton MBE and Geraint Thomas MBE.
"I can announce today I'm being awarded an MBE in Queen's birthday honours. Proper happy about it. Shows cycling's popularity now in Britain," Cavendish commented via his Twitter account.
"Thank you so much to everyone who've already sent MBE congratulations messages to me. No honour can beat the pride that my fans give me."
Cavendish is Britain's most successful professional cyclist. In terms of major wins, he stands head and shoulders of any other British rider in history. At 26, he arguably still has his best racing years ahead of him.
Cavendish tops Cycling Weekly's all-time list of British pro winners ahead of Chris Boardman MBE. Cavendish has amassed 66 professional wins since turning professional in 2007, including two stages of the Giro d'Italia this May.
Cavendish will be riding in the Tour de Suisse starting today (Saturday, June 11), and will then ride the Tour de France from July 2-24.
Related links
The all-time list of British pro winners
Mark Cavendish: Rider profile
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