MANX cyclist Mark Cavendish was given the title of Freeman of the Borough of Douglas in April.
He was presented with the honour at a ceremony at Douglas Town Hall on April 14.
Mark said: "I love the Isle of Man - it is such a special and beautiful place. And to receive this honour has touched me deeply. I am massively honoured to receive this award. I wish to thank everyone for this."
Cavendish joins an elite list of people who have been honoured with Freedom of the Borough, including Sir Winston Churchill, Sir Norman Wisdom and the Bee Gees. However, he is one of the youngest ever to receive the honour - a point picked up on by the Mayor of Douglas Ritchie McNicholl
He said: "It is very rare that the council decides to confer the Honorary Freedom of the Borough on one so young in the prime of his career, but it is even more rare for a young Manxman to achieve what Mark Cavendish has.
"It is entirely appropriate that he should have been honoured."
He added: "He is only a very young man and yet to come there will be many more achievements for us to marvel at.
"We have thrilled to his performances so far, and rejoiced in his many victories and we hope to celebrate with him many more times yet."
The Mayor said that the publicity already generated by Mark Cavendish for the Isle of Man had resulted in numerous positive effects and that he was an inspiration to young people to follow his sporting achievements.
He also said that Mark Cavendish had also achieved something that has not happened previously where he was regularly referred to in the world's media as "Manx" rather than "British". He said: "It brings a very welcome recognition of his Island home."
Councillor McNicholl added: "That the foundation of such a stellar career were laid in this small Island is amazing. Cycle racing has long been part of our sporting heritage and the commitment of local enthusiasts over the years has led to the development of many great talents.
"It is marvellous to see a local youngster do so well on the world stage and I think at the end of Mark's career, when he looks back at his achievements, alongside all the medals and honours, will be his legacy of inspiration to a generation of young people - in the Isle of Man and around the world - to take up cycling."
Update: In September Mark Cavendish became the second British rider to ever win the men's Road Race World Championship. In October he also revealed that he was to become a father for the first time.
This story is part of isleofman.com's Review of the Year 2011.
