MANXMAN Mark Cavendish has been crowned the BBC Sports Personality of the Year at a glittering awards ceremony in Manchester tonight (Thursday).

The Tour de France green jersey winner and world road race champion said he was speechless at receiving the award which is decided by a public phone vote.

Golfer Darren Clarke came second while world 5,000m champion athlete Mo Farah was third.

26-year-old Cavendish was quick to thank his team mates as well as his pregnant girlfriend, model Peta Todd, who was in the audience to support him. 

Cavendish is only the second road cyclist to win the award - following in the footsteps of Tommy Simpson who claimed the prize in 1965.

The achievement is the icing on the cake of a hugely successful year for Cavendish who is one of cycling's true greats and a worldwide sporting legend.