Cyclist Mark Cavendish received a standing ovation at the Villa Marina last night as he was named Sportsman of the Year for 2008.

The 23 year-old has had a busy start to the new season and has already notched up a further eight victories to take his career tally to 36 in just over two years as a professional cyclist.

Two stage wins at the Giro d'Italia and a further four at the Tour de France last year brought him to the attention of the world's media.

After such a hectic start to 2009, Cav says he needs to miss some big races in the next few weeks in order to recharge the batteries:-