British Cycling's Olympic Podium Programme rider Becky James was last night named as the Sunday Times and Sky Sports Young Sports Woman of the Year for her achievements in 2013.
Having missed out on competing at the Olympic Games in 2012, 21-year-old Becky bounced back from her disappointment to win two world titles in 2013 and make history by becoming the first British rider to win four medals at a single World Championship.
At this year's UCI Track Cycling World Championships in Minsk, Belarus, Becky won gold in the Keirin and Sprint and bronze in the 500m Time-Trial and Team Sprint, the latter in partnership with fellow youngster Vicky Williamson.
Becky, who was unable to collect the award in person as she is in Mexico ahead of the second round of the UCI Track World Cup in Mexico, was honoured to receive the award.
She said: "It's just incredible to receive the award and it rounds off the best year of my career so far and I'm proud to see the long, hard hours of training have paid off.
"There's so many people that I owe thanks to, but in particular I'd like to thank my coaches and all the support staff at British Cycling who have helped me over the years, and also my family and friends for their constant support. I'm looking forward to building on what I've achieved so far, and hopefully 2014 will be another great year."
For more information about British Cycling's ambition to get one million more women cycling by 2020 visit www.britishcycling.org.uk/women<http://www.britishcycling.org.uk/women>
