The 2015 FT Bidlake Memorial Prize has been awarded to Phil Liggett in recognition of his outstanding services to cycling.
News: FT Bidlake Prize for LiggettÂ
“I’m absolutely chuffed to receive the prize,†Liggett said. “I’m well aware of its history and in such a year too, when British riders did so well in every aspect of the sport; in particular, Armitstead and Froome have been the two stars of the season. I understand it was given because of my history, rather than for this year in particular.â€
The Bidlake Memorial Prize is one of the oldest and most prestigious awards in British cycle sport; past winners include Sir Bradley Wiggins, Mark Cavendish and Tom Simpson. It was devised in memory of Frederick Thomas Bidlake, the man generally considered to be the father of time-trialling. It is awarded annually to the most outstanding performance or contribution to the betterment of cycling in all spheres.
In a career spanning fifty years in cycling, Bebington-born Liggett started out as an amateur racer and a journalist with Cycling Weekly. He went on to become a UCI international commissaire, organiser of the Milk Race, overseeing it 22 times, and president of the Cyclists’ Touring Club (CTC).
The 72-year-old is arguably best known as a venerable commentator. “The voice of cycling” has reported on the sport’s biggest professional races for four decades, much of them as part of a formidable duo with compatriot Paul Sherwen.
In that time, Liggett has seen a lot of highs and lows. “It’s been through rough times and doping scandals, but my enthusiasm for cycling has never waned. It’s a great sport where you meet many great people,†he said. “I called the first American winner of the Tour and the first Irish winner, but I never thought I’d see the day where I called not one, but three British Tour de France wins in four years.â€
“It’s come at the end of my career, but in Britain, cycling is a pastime and sport which everyone is interested in.â€
Liggett is showing no signs of showing down, with his 15th Olympic Games and 44th Tour de France pencilled in for this summer. “I haven’t missed a day on the Tour since 1979,†he said. “At my age I should know better, but I don’t.â€
Liggett succeeds British time-trial star Matt Bottrill as recipient of the FT Bidlake Memorial Prize.
For further information, including a list of past Bidlake Memorial Prize recipients, visit www.bidlakememorial.org.uk.
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