Mark Cavendish to receive special SPOTY award for 'redefining what is possible' in cycling despite the British legend's shock snub for main prize
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Mark Cavendish will receive the Lifetime Achievement award at Tuesday night’s BBC Sports Personality of the Year ceremony. The British cycling legend was surprisingly left off the main six-person SPOTY shortlist despite breaking the Tour de France stage wins record in July.
![[Earlier this year he broke Eddy Merckx's Tour de France all-time stage wins record]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/12/16/06/93184227-0-image-a-2_1734330108828.jpg)
However, the reasons for Cavendish’s omission have now become clearer with the announcement that he will be honoured with Lifetime Achievement gong at the show in Salford instead. The 39-year-old – who won the main SPOTY award in 2011 - will become the second cyclist to receive the special prize after Chris Hoy in 2014. Liverpool and Scotland football legend Kenny Dalglish was the recipient last year.
![[Mary Earps is the holder of the SPOTY main prize with Keely Hodgkinson favourite to win]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/12/16/06/93184229-0-image-a-3_1734330115988.jpg)
‘Mark Cavendish has redefined what is possible in the world of cycling,’ said Alex Kay-Jelski, director of BBC Sport. ‘From his medals on the track to his breathtaking Tour de France record, his determination to achieve greatness is nothing short of extraordinary.
‘Mark has inspired generations of athletes and fans alike through his sporting achievements and openness about his mental health struggles. Mark Cavendish is set to receive the Sports Personality of the Year Lifetime Achievement award. Earlier this year he broke Eddy Merckx's Tour de France all-time stage wins record.
Mary Earps is the holder of the SPOTY main prize with Keely Hodgkinson favourite to win. ‘His legacy as one of the greatest cyclists of all time makes him a truly deserving winner of the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Lifetime Achievement award.’.
