British Cycling’s Shane Sutton appointed OBE

British Cycling’s performance director Shane Sutton has been appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the 2010 Queen’s Birthday Honours list.

Sutton was granted the honour for his services to sport. He started his career as a road and track cyclist where he won a number of titles – including Gold in the Team Pursuit at the Commonwealth Games in 1978. In 1990 Sutton was the overall winner of the Mile Race.

In 2002 Sutton began his work with the Great Britain Cycling Team. As coach and mentor he has provided support, help and guidance to riders and staff and is credited with playing an influential role in the recent successes of the Great Britain Cycling Team.

Sutton said: "It’s obviously a huge honour to be awarded with an OBE and it’s something to be proud of. For me though, it’s not a personal accolade. The riders, the coaching team and the support staff I have around me make up a big percentage of what we’ve achieved and so the recognition is for all of the GB Cycling Team to share."

Performance Director at British Cycling Dave Brailsford added: 
“Shane is an integral part of the GB Cycling Team and brings an amazing energy and understanding of the riders which few other people can match. He is a major contributing factor to our success and it’s been great fun working with him over the years."

Sutton has also recently picked up accolades as UK Coach of the Year in 2008, and UK Performance Coach of the Year by UK Sport last year.

John Lloyd, organiser of the Mountain Bik Enduro and Marathon events in Wales, and Melvyn Perkins – founder of Heather Hawks Cycle Speedwas Club 44 years ago, have both received an MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list.