Mark Cavendish has revealed his pride in boosting interest in cycling after he won the 2011 BBC Sports Personality of the Year award.
The British cyclist received the honour last night, beating golfer Darren Clarke and athlete Mo Farah.
The Team Sky rider was the first Brit to win the green jersey in the Tour de France as well as triumphing in the road race at the World Championships.
"I take it as a positive that people actually know about cycling," said Cavendish. "Before people might have recognised me in a picture with my helmet and glasses on as that guy who does well in the Tour de France.
"Now there's a recognition of what we've done. That's what makes me proud, to see cycling in people's homes. It's a sport I love, a sport I care about more than anything and the fact more people are interested in it means more than anything to me."
Cavendish took over 50% of the public vote.
