Tom Pidcock, the Olympic mountain biking champion, has been named an Officer of the British Empire (OBE) in the British New Year’s Honours list for his outstanding contributions to cycling, it was announced on Tuesday. Pidcock, who claimed his first Olympic gold in mountain biking at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and successfully defended his title in Paris last summer, sees his previous MBE (Member of the British Empire) upgraded to an OBE in recognition of his continued success.
Pidcock is among 12 cyclists celebrated in the annual honours list, which includes Olympic and Paralympic athletes as well as volunteers who have made significant contributions to the sport. Joining Pidcock in being named an OBE is Jaco van Gass, a Paralympic athlete who earned two gold medals at the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games in the C1-5 mixed team sprint and the C3 individual pursuit events.
Also recognised were the pioneering trio of Sophie Capewell, Emma Finucane, and Katy Marchant, who collectively secured Great Britain’s first-ever women’s team sprint gold at the Paris Olympics. The trio received MBEs for their historic achievement, with Finucane sharing her excitement on Instagram: “Super special way to end 2024 by being named on the honours list.”
Tandem cyclists Sophie Unwin and Jenny Holl, who won two golds, a silver, and a bronze in Paris, were also awarded MBEs, alongside Lizzi Jordan and Danni Khan, who clinched a gold medal. In addition, Fin Graham, who claimed a gold in the C1-3 road race and finished second in the C3 individual pursuit, was made an MBE.
Two cycling activists, Val French and Christopher Sprules, received British Empire Medals (BEM) for their outstanding contributions to the cycling community. French became the first British Cycling Breeze Champion to lead over 1,000 women-only bike rides, while Sprules has been instrumental in expanding the active travel charity Sustrans’ presence in Sussex.
Jon Dutton, CEO of British Cycling, expressed his pride in those honoured, saying, “On behalf of everyone at British Cycling, I’d like to congratulate all of those recognised for their services to cycling. It’s fantastic to see our Olympic and Paralympic heroes acknowledged for their extraordinary achievements, which brought joy to so many during the Summer Games.”
Dutton particularly highlighted Val French’s contributions, stating, “Volunteers like Val are the absolute backbone of our sport, and her dedication is helping to change thousands of lives for the better by encouraging more women to take up cycling.”
Stephen Park, performance director for the Great Britain cycling team, also praised the recognition of the athletes, noting, “It’s a testament to the talent we have in this country that so many of our Olympic and Paralympic cyclists have been recognised in the New Year Honours list. These athletes have spent their careers striving to reach the pinnacle of their sport, delivering electrifying performances that unite and inspire people across the nation.”
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