Manx Missile Lands Another Lifetime Achievement Award

Manx hero Sir Mark Cavendish, aka the Manx Missile, will tomorrow night (Tuesday) add yet another shiny accolade to his already bulging trophy cabinet as he picks up the BBC Sports Personality of the Year’s Lifetime Achievement Award.

But let’s be honest, Gef reckons he’s already hit the pinnacle of awards season – and it wasn’t at MediaCity in Salford.

No, Cav already scooped the big one last month: the Lifetime Achievement gong at the Media Isle of Man Awards for Excellence.

Forget the BBC – that’s a local banger. Sure, the Beeb’s got a bigger audience and a slightly shinier set, but can it rival the glamour of a night at the Villa Marina? Gef thinks not.

Cav, who retired this year at the sprightly age of 39, has been riding bikes (and winning) for 20 years.

Over his incredible career, he’s smashed records left, right, and centre – including claiming a record-breaking 35 Tour de France stage wins, a road world championship title, 17 Giro d’Italia stage wins, and an Olympic silver medal.

Oh, and he’s also a three-time Madison world champion.

Speaking about the BBC Award, Sir Mark said: ‘It’s such an amazing feeling – what an honour’.

‘I’m very fortunate I’ve done everything I wanted to do, and proud that’s more than many other people have done as well.

‘I always dreamed of having my name alongside those greats I grew up watching.’

But here’s the thing, Sir Mark: your name’s already alongside the true greats – the legends of the IOM Awards for Excellence.

Gef’s pretty sure that’s where the real history’s made.

For those keen to cheer on the Missile, Sports Personality of the Year airs tomorrow night at 7pm on BBC One, BBC iPlayer, and the BBC Sport website.

But just remember, Salford might have the glitz, but Douglas had him first.

Cav, you’re a legend – but Gef still reckons your real trophy came with a free pint at the Villa bar!