Sports Personality 2008

Olympic cyclists are Team of the Year

Britain's Olympic cycling team have been named BBC Sports Personality's Team of the Year and Dave Brailsford won the Coach of the Year honour.

The cyclists won 14 medals in total in Beijing, including eight golds.

It added to the nine gold medals they won at the world track championships in Manchester in March.

"I can't believe I'm here. I've got a great team of riders and coaches behind me and I'm here to pick up this award on their behalf," said Brailsford.

606: DEBATE Give your thought on all the BBC Sports Personality awards

Brailsford beat off the challenge of Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson and Wales coach Warren Gatland to take the honour, which was presented by former England cricket captain Michael Vaughan and Dame Kelly Holmes.

The Olympic cycling team pipped Manchester United, the British Olympic squad and the Welsh rugby union team to the team prize.

Beijing gold medallist Victoria Pendleton accepted the team award on behalf of the remainder of the squad.

Brailsford wins coach of the year award

"This is an honour for us to be here and this is an award for all of the squad, including the support team who give as much as we do," she said.

Pendleton's sentiments were echoed by Chris Hoy, who won three gold medals in Beijing to become the most successful male cyclist in Olympic history.

"It's been a tremendous year with success at both the World Championships and the Olympics," he added.

"To be part of such a successful team is a real honour for me."