There was a surreal second throughout the BBC’s Sports activities Persona of the Yr ceremony this week that I would like to debate with you all.
It got here late within the night’s proceedings, when Mark Cavendish obtained his Lifetime Achievement award. Should you’ve missed this story, otherwise you’re from throughout the pond, let me convey you on top of things.
The ceremony, hosted by Britain’s public service broadcaster, recognises the highest British athletes of the previous yr. Cavendish was snubbed for the principle prize, which he beforehand gained in 2011, however was lauded for his profession contribution to sport. It made for a becoming tribute.
When the sprinter made his means as much as the stage, he was greeted by a who’s who of British biking. There, dressed of their most dapper apparel, stood Bradley Wiggins, Chris Hoy, Laura Kenny and Jason Kenny. 4 legends with 21 gold medals between them.
They applauded and congratulated the Manxman, and watched on as a spotlight reel of his profession was broadcast into the room. Cavendish did his speech, a very endearing one. Then it was time to look again on the huge display screen for a particular message.
A particular message? I puzzled. However from who? All of the legends are there, I assumed. Possibly it’s Mark Renshaw, or Michael Mørkøv, one in every of Cavendish’s trusty lead-out males? No – that might be too area of interest for the British basic public.
What about his household, his spouse, Peta, who has supported him all through his profession? In all probability not, she was standing on the stage, wedged between Wiggins and Hoy. Might it’s Geraint Thomas? I used to be stumped.
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The digicam panned as much as the massive display screen, and the particular message started. The video lower away. A Liverpool Soccer Membership coaching shirt flashed up on the tv. It’s Virgil van Dijk. What on earth is Virgil van Dijk doing right here?
Effectively, it seems, the Dutchman’s a biking fan, and a giant admirer of the Manx missile. “Sure Cav,” he started, “it’s Virgil right here.” So shocked was I to see the Liverpool captain, that I scarcely paid consideration to the following phrases out of his mouth, however I’m positive at one level he known as Cavendish “a real GOAT of biking”.
I Googled ‘Virgil van Dijk biking’ after the present, and there’s little to recommend the pair are shut pals. Actually, Google was so positive I’d searched the flawed factor, that it began giving me outcomes for Ellen van Dijk, the three-time world time trial champion. Was all of it a fever dream? The thriller continues.
Elsewhere on social media this week, Olympic champion Emma Finucane holds a koala, Demi Vollering learns some helpful French, and we learn the way aero-optimised a reindeer is.
1. Come to consider it, Virgil van Dijk would make an honest rouleur. I may see him towing the bunch right into a cobbled part at Paris-Roubaix, or tearing by way of the sunflower fields on the Tour de France
A really particular message to Lifetime Achievement award winner @MarkCavendish ❤@VirgilvDijk | @LFC | #SPOTY pic.twitter.com/QfDzwMStQhDecember 17, 2024
2. Bradley Wiggins and Mark Cavendish reunited. It makes you nostalgic for that Champs-Elysées end in 2012, does not it?
3. Emma Finucane’s been busy assembly the locals on her journey to Australia
4. MAAP’s new partnership with Jayco AlUla guarantees to be one of many coolest collaborations on the WorldTour. The cap’s a bit boy scout-y, although
5. Demi, you would be shocked how far you may get with une grande bière, s’il vous plaît
6. You do not want to have the ability to communicate French to know what Lilian Calmejane thinks of the brand new Jayco AlUla jersey. Maybe he may give Demi Vollering some classes?
6. ‘Harrie, the taxi’s right here. No, I advised you the bike will not match. Simply put it down, mate.’
7. Tom Dumoulin’s again racing. I hope there is a toilet in that purchasing centre behind him
8. Ever wished to see among the greatest observe cyclists on the planet check their response occasions? Your prayers have been answered
9. I’ve plenty of questions on this Monopoly board, particularly: why is the trophy the highest prize? I may’ve sworn that race was all in regards to the jersey
10. Tuck your elbows in, Rudolph
11. It seems the person destined to unseat Tadej Pogačar is… Uncle Bryn. Who knew?
guys. rob brydon is sporting a world championship biking jersey within the new gavin & stacey trailer pic.twitter.com/EpckDBtdvuDecember 17, 2024
12. And eventually, I will go away you with one thing Christmassy to take you into subsequent week. This is how blind Paralympic champion Lizzi Jordan wraps and retains observe of the presents she’s giving. It is good